A HAPPY MINISTRY 




(law fj A °\ Z, cL,b 

BoaJ K:-- 

Copyright^?. 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




REV. SAMUEL DUNHAM. 
Pastor of the West Church during its first twenty-nine years, 
1873-1902. Pastor Emeritus since January 3, 1902. 



RETROSPECT 
OF A HAPPY MINISTRY 

The Life Story of Half a Century 

INCLUDING PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, AND A COMPLETE 
HISTORY FROM ITS FIRST INCEPTION OF 

THE WEST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
BINGHAMTON, N. Y. 

BY 

SAMUEL DUNHAM 

The First Pastor 



With Portraits of the Successive Pastors^ and 
Views of C hurch Edifices and 
Parsonage 

ALSO AN APPENDIX 



VAIL-BALLOU COMPANY 
BINGHAMTON AND NEW YORK 
1914 



Copyright. 191* ^ 
By SAMUEL DUNHAM 



OCT 31 1914 



ICIA388293 
too/ 



to the generous hosts of fast and 
faithful friends, on earth and in 
Heaven, who have so often cheered 
my heart, and blessed my home, and 
gladdened my days of toil and trial, 
and brightened my ministry, and en- 
riched my whole life, and kept 
me from growing old, by their warm, 
cheery greetings and kindly words, 
and cordial friendship, and loving 
sympathy, through all these happy, 
golden years, 
this volume is affectionately 
dedicated, 

with a profound and tender sense 
of gratitude to them and to the 
Friend and Brother of us all. 



11 Recollection is the only paradise 
from which we cannot be turned out!' 

RlCHTER. 

"Those first affections, 
Those shadowy recollections ; 
Which, be they what they may, 
Are yet the fountain-light of all our day, 
Are yet a master light of all our seeing" 

William Wordsworth. 

"Though varying wishes, hopes, and fears, 
Fever d the progress of these years, 
Yet now, days, weeks, and months, but seem 
The recollection of a dreamt 

Scott. 



PREFATORY NOTE 

On May 4, 1898, at a regular meeting of the 
Session of the. West Presbyterian Church, it was 
unanimously resolved that the proceedings con- 
nected with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 
installation of the Pastor, Rev. Samuel Dunham 
(April 24, 1898), be published; but that the work 
of publication be delayed until the fuller record 
could be made after the completion and dedica- 
tion of the new house of worship. 

For various reasons the delay has been pro- 
longed far beyond the time expected. 

Meantime, the plans of the writer have been 
considerably modified, and the scope of the work 
much enlarged to include some interesting remi- 
niscences of the earlier and later years of his 
ministry, and, especially, to bring the record down 
to date, so as to embrace briefly the closing years 
of his own pastorate and the pastorates of his 
successors. 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 



Retrospect and Prospect 1 

Life's Cape of Good Hope 4 

Seventy Years Young 6 

The True Optimism 7 

Back to Childhood 9 

Choice of the Ministry . 12 

My First Pastorate . ... w ... 14 

Spiritual Refreshings 15 

A Memorable Year 18 

A Church One Hundred and Fifty Years Old 21 
Influence of Preachers Before and During 

the Civil War 25 

The Mother of Churches 28 

Whitefield's Notable Visit 29 

My First European Tour . - 30 

The Vatican Council of i869-'70, and Italian 

Unity. A Series of Startling Events . .31 
Old First Church, Norwalk, Conn., Founded 

in 1652 33 

The West Church, Binghamton .... 34 

Passed Its Forty-first Milestone .... 36 
Exceeding Interest and Value of Earliest 

Records 38 



Contents 

PAGE 

The Initial Movement Checked By the Burn- 
ing of the New Edifice of the First 

Church 40 

Delayed By the Removal of the Congregation- 

alists to the west slde 41 

West Church Society Organized .... 43 

The Chapel Dedicated 44 

Our First Sabbath 47 

Organization of the Church 48 

Installation of First Pastor 49 

No Holiday Pastime 50 

Heroic Debt Raising 51 

Tribute to the Women 55 

Church Building Enlarged ...... 57 

Re-Dedication 58 

Pastor's Resignation Reconsidered and With- 
drawn 58 

Renewed Activity and Growth 59 

Delightful Oriental Tour. An Ideal Party 60 
A Miraculous Deliverance . . . . . .62 

With Foreign Missionaries on Their Fields and 

in Their Homes . . . . . . . .63 

The Free Pew Problem 64 

In Memoriam 66 

Church Anniversaries 67 

The Fifth Anniversary 67 

The Twentieth Anniversary 69 

New Year's Social Re-Union After Two Dec- 
ades 73 

The Silver Jubilee 75 



Contents 

PAGB 

A Quarter of a Century Grandly Celebrated . 84 
The Project of a New Church Edifice ... 89 

Subscriptions Started 94 

Corner-Stone Laid 96 

Contents of the Box .98 

A Graceful Tribute from the City Ministerial 

Association . 102 

Farewell to the Old Church 105 

The Old Church for Sale ....... 109 

Dedication of the New Church . . . . .111 

Memorial Windows 115 

A Weighty Communication and Surprise . .117 

Jubilee Night 123 

Evangelistic Services 127 

Missionary to Japan 128 

Pastor's Message to His People 130 

A Successor Chosen . . . 139 

Happily Wedded 141 

Retirement of Mr. Dunham 142 

Pastoral Relations Formally Dissolved . .151 

Installation of Dr. Hallenbeck 153 

Dr. Hallenbeck Resigns. An Appreciation . 156 

Dr. Colville's Pastorate 160 

Dr. Colville's Letter of Resignation. A De- 
served Tribute 163 

Rev. Mr. McCormick Called and Regularly In- 
stalled 168 

Mr. Dunham's Continuous Labors . . . .170 
Called to the Floral Avenue Church . . .171 
The Floral Avenue Pastorate, and Third 

Trip Abroad 175 



Contents 

PAGE 

Fifty Years in the Ministry 178 

Activities Not Limited to His Own Parish . 179 
Final Retrospect and Reflections .... 184 
What Meantime Has Transpired in the World 

About Us? 185 

Volumes of Unwritten History Locked Up in 

the Secret Heart of the Years . . . .190 
"Christ Lives. Forward!" ...... 193 



APPENDIX 

History of the West Presbyterian Sunday 

School 197 

The Ladies' Industrial Society ..... 207 
The Woman's Missionary Society . . . .210 

The Woman's Union 212 

The King's Daughters 213 

The Young People's Society of Christian En- 
deavor 217 

The Junior Christian Endeavor Society . . 222 

Other Societies Mentioned 227 

Original Members of the West Presbyterian 
Church at its Formation, February 12, 

1873 22 7 

Complete List of the Elders of the West Pres- 
byterian Church 228 

Deacons of the West Presbyterian Church . 229 
Trustees of the West Presbyterian Society . 230 
Treasurers of the West Presbyterian Society 232 
Present Officers of the West Presbyterian 

Church in 1914 232 



Contents 

PAGE 

Tenth Anniversary of the Floral Avenue 
Presbyterian Church, May 22, 1902. His- 
torical Sketch by Mr. G. M. T. Johnson . 233 

Paper Read by Mr. G. M. T. Johnson at the 
Twentieth Anniversary of Floral Ave- 
nue Presbyterian Church, May 22, 1912 . 244 

Present Officers of the Floral Avenue 

Church in 1914 250 

Original Members of the Floral Avenue 

Church at its Organization, May 22, 1892 . 251 

Pioneers of Religion in the Early Days of 

Binghamton's History 252 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Rev. Samuel Dunham . . . . . Frontispiece A 

FACING 
PAGE 

The New West Church l ^ 

The Original Chapel . . 44 1^ 

Church Remodeled and Enlarged 58 ^ 

The Parsonage 66 ^ 

Rev. Edwin F. Hallenbeck, D.D 139 ^ 

Rev. G. Murray Colville, D.D 160 r 

Rev. Arthur B. McCormick . 168 * 



RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT 

Looking backward is not always wise. Often 
it is the worst and most dangerous direction one 
can turn his eyes. Witness Lot's wife, and the 
Children of Israel in their desert wanderings cast- 
ing a longing look behind and sighing for the 
fleshpots of Egypt. Retrospect may even prove 
fatal. By nature man is gifted with foresight, 
and this endowment is enriched by every acces- 
sion of wisdom and grace. Solomon tells us, 
"The wise man's eyes are in his head." His eyes 
are located, moreover, in the front part of his 
head for the obvious purpose of looking forward, 
rather than backward. Nevertheless, there are 
seasons in our lives, as at the close of the year, 
on birth days and wedding days, or on certain im- 
portant anniversary occasions, or when the sun 
of one's life is declining towards the western 
hills, and the more active labors of one's life are 
nearing their completion, when retrospection may 
be very useful, salutary and helpful, for thereby 

are we enabled to discover our past follies, and to 

i 



2 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



rectify, if we will, our past mistakes and failures. 

It is quite possible, also, that a careful, or even 
casual, review of the by-gone years may awaken 
not a few delightful and precious memories, re- 
call many happy scenes, impress profitable les- 
sons, and inspire the heart with renewed courage, 
confidence and hope, and, withal, kindle anew 
one's heartfelt gratitude to God. Like the stern- 
lights of a ship it may serve greatly to illumine 
and brighten the way over which we have been 
voyaging. 

Casting an eager, thoughtful glance backward, 
therefore, over the busy years from the point of 
view of one who has retired from the more stren- 
uous and pressing duties of his ministerial office, 
one is forcibly reminded of the words of the great 
German poet: 

"Rest is not quitting 

This busy career; 
Rest is the fitting 

Of self to its sphere/' 

These lines of Goethe very nearly express our 
conception of the happy estate of a "Pastor 
Emeritus." He is not of necessity one who has 
fallen into a condition of "innocuous desuetude." 
He has not wholly withdrawn himself from the 



The Life Story of Half a Century 8 



world's activities, nor retired into utter obscurity. 
He has, rather, fitted himself into new surround- 
ings, adjusted himself to changed relations, but 
finds himself still busy in other forms and spheres 
of labor, though with less of the former restless 
activity and never ceasing pressure of pastoral 
care and responsibility, and with a little more of 
agreeable pastime, and dignified leisure {otium 
cum dignitate) for calm and serene reflection, 
Our own experience is that the intensely active 
life of a pastor, with the incessant urgency of du- 
ties goading him perpetually onward, and absorb- 
ing all his time and energies, serves almost abso- 
lutely to obliterate from his mind the past, and 
renders any deliberate looking backward well- 
nigh an impossibility. 

When Luther spoke of his lot as one of "Work 
on Earth and rest in Heaven," he was a total 
stranger to that pleasant sensation of relief felt 
by the minister who has laid down the chief bur- 
den of his toil for a brief season of respite and 
comparative ease before actually entering upon 
the rest that "remaineth to the people of God." 

The retrospect herein contemplated is that of 
a happy ministry of full fifty years' continuance, 
and of almost uninterrupted labor. In his "Life 
and Thoughts," John Foster, with true insight, 



4 Retrospect o[ a Happy Ministry 

declares that "An interval of forty years makes 
all the difference between the morning of life and 
its evening: the mind in the one position, occu- 
pied with imagination, conjecture, possibilities, 
resolutions, hopes; in the other, looking back to 
see the visionary speculation reduced to the hu- 
mility of an experience and reality." 

It is now two score years and ten since the 
writer's public ordination to the Christian minis- 
try in the good old State of Massachusetts. Fifty 
years ago it was the morning glow; now it is the 
mellower evening after-glow. Then it was rosy, 
youthful imagination, conjecture, sanguine hope, 
eager forward looking; now it is not so much 
"visionary speculation" as sober intensely real 
looking backward. Then it was all radiant pros- 
pect. Now, after half a century of experience 
of the stern realities of life, it is humble, yet 
happy and thankful retrospect. 

LIFE'S CAPE OF GOOD HOPE 

"If I were to follow the example of Lecky ; " 
says President Gilman, "and to draw the Map of 
Life with such cartographical knowledge as has 
come to me, I should mark the age of seventy as 
the Cape of Good Hope, and for the cheer of those 
who are doubling this Cape, I should show that 



The Life Story of Half a Century 5 



it leads to a Pacific Sea, within whose bounds lie 
the Fortunate Isles." 

One comes thus to occupy, in fact, a kind of 
vantage ground for both backward and forward 
looking. Age serves as a watch-tower, situated 
upon an eminence, from whose summit are gained 
far broader and more comprehensive views than 
those of youth and immaturity. It seems a 
happy provision and combination of divine Prov- 
idence and Grace whereby, to the man of faith, 
the accumulating years of life open up and dis- 
close, at one and the same time, clearer and more 
distinct recollections of the past and brighter and 
more beautiful visions of the great future. 

Thus age has its twofold advantage— its 
blessed compensations — to offset its disadvantages 
and to atone, in part, for its irksome limitations. 

With Emerson we confidently believe that, 
"The soul does not age with the body. On the 
borders of the grave the wise man looks forward 
with equal elasticity of mind, or hope; and why 
not, after millions of years, on the verge of still 
newer existence? for it is the nature of intelli- 
gent beings to be ever new to life. Most men 
are insolvent, or promise by their countenance 
and conversation and by their early endeavor 
much more than they ever perform — suggesting 



6 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

a design still to be carried out; the man must 
have new motives, new companions, new condi- 
tions, and another term." 

SEVENTY YEARS YOUNG 

It was Oliver Wendell Holmes who aptly said. 
"It is better to be seventy years young than to be 
forty years old." Do we not all so feel and be- 
lieve? Age is by no means measured accurately 
by the years of one's life. 

"We live in deeds, not years ; in thoughts, not breaths ; 
In feelings, not in figures on a dial. 

We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives, 
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best." 

My revered mother, who lived to see her 106th 
year, was younger at 100 than many an one at 
seventy-five. Better far than premature old age 
is perpetual youth. It matters not how many 
years or decades may fly over our heads, we ar- 
dently desire to retain our youthful fire and 
vigor; and if, perchance, we may not do that, we 
wish, at least, to prolong and preserve in per- 
petuity our youthful elasticity of spirits, our 
buoyant cheerfulness, and our undying enthusi- 
asm. 

Doing thus, the calm retrospect, in one's later 
life, may be even ruddier and more serene and 



The Life Story of Half a Century 7 

satisfying than the brightest prospect of the 
earlier years, just as the time of fruitage, or the 
season of the ripened harvest is ever a period of 
truer joy than the uncertain days of seed-sowing 
when hope has not as yet reached the richness and 
sweetness of its fruition. Not the pale, tender 
vines but the purple vintage brings the brightest 
visions as well as the most blessed memories. 

"Let me but live my life from year to year, 
With forward face and unreluctant soul, 
Not hastening to, nor turning from the goal; 

Not mourning for the things that disappear 

In the dim past, nor holding back in fear 

From what the future veils, but with a whole 
And happy heart, that pays its toll 

To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer. 

"So let the way wind up the hill or down, 

Through rough or smooth, the journey will be joy; 
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy, 

New friendship, high endeavor, and a crown. 
I shall grow old, but never lose life's zest, 
Because the road's last turn will be the best." 

THE TRUE OPTIMISM 

Such is the true optimism, whether of man- 
hood's prime or of old age. 

When some one asked an artist, "Which is your 
best picture?" the artist promptly replied "My 



8 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

next." Such ought, undoubtedly, to be the high 
aim and ideal of our human lives. Our best year, 
our best deed, our noblest achievement, our finest 
touch of grace and moral beauty, our real master- 
piece, should, if possible, be our next. 

With advancing age men are wont to become 
increasingly conservative. But, as some one sug- 
gests, the past, so far from being a "hitching- 
post," ought rather to serve as a ' 'guide-post" — 
an inspiration and incentive for the onward 
march. 

In any fair and right estimate of our choicest 
earthly treasures, the past must be reckoned as 
among our most valuable assets; partly because 
the past is a permanent possession of which we 
can never be deprived. 

The present is a fickle goddess, the future a 
sealed book, holding a record awaiting as yet its 
mysterious unfolding. But the past is graven 
forever upon the durable tablets of history, and 
can never be effaced. Its worth will never de- 
preciate. It will, rather, grow more and more 
precious with the passing of the years. Hence 
any opportunity to revert to it, to meditate upon 
it, to recall its scenes and events, should be re- 
garded as a privilege to be highly prized. Be- 
sides, a profound reverence for the past, and a 



The Life Story of Half a Century 9 



grateful remembrance of God's good hand in our 
life-history, and a humble recognition of His 
merciful dealings with us hitherto, may well prove 
a source of fresh inspiration for the time to come. 

Certain is it that, in the later years of a busy 
life, nothing is more natural than, occasionally, 
to fall into a mood of serious reflection upon the 
by-gone days. 

BACK TO CHILDHOOD 

This retrospect carries us back, in fact, to the 
happy season of our childhood and school days in 
the old Connecticut home. The old red school 
house with its battered sides has been superseded 
by a new white one of ampler proportions; the 
little skating pond has sadly shrunken and nearly 
evaporated beneath the Summer sun; the streams 
are narrower ; the hills lower ; the fields and woods 
less vast, and the old schoolmates and friends of 
a former day have almost all passed on. 

But, thank God, sun and moon and stars and 
sky remain just the same as sixty years ago, and 
the tender memory of those days as fresh and fra- 
grant as ever. 

One can never escape the charm and fascination 
of one's birth-place. 

Born February 8, 1835, at Southington, Hart- 



10 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



ford County, Conn., the youngest son of Chaun- 
cey and Sylvia Langdon Dunham, we take a 
natural and pardonable pride in proclaiming the 
fact that our venerable mother — who was born 
July 27, 1800, and had the unique experience 
of enjoying life in three successive centuries, — 
lived on into the twentieth century, passing away 
in February, 1906, at the age of 105 years and 
seven months, and that she was a "real daughter" 
of the American Revolution, her father, Captain 
Giles Langdon, having served in the Revolu- 
tionary Army. 

In the absence of any peculiarly startling per- 
sonal exploits and achievements to record we also 
find just a little satisfaction and comfort in a 
recent discovery that the genealogy of the Dun- 
ham family in England and America, — two vol- 
umes by Professor Isaac Watson Dunham lately 
issued from the press, — traces our honored Eng- 
lish ancestry not only directly back to Edward 
III (which may mean little or much), who was 
born Nov. 13, 1312, at Windsor Castle, but also, 
and more a matter of gratulation, back to Dea- 
con John Dunham of the Mayflower, who figured 
so prominently in Colonial affairs, having for 
many years served as an officer of the Church, and 
Deputy of old Plymouth Colony. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 11 



During the eleven years spent in Leyden after 
the removal of the Pilgrim band from England, 
great changes had taken place in the membership 
of the original church at Scrooby, so that at the 
time of the embarkation from Leyden only two 
of the original congregation, Deacon John Dun- 
ham and Elder William Brewster, natives of 
Scrooby, were left to emigrate to America on 
board the Mayflower, the other passengers being 
a later arrival from England. 

The old Coat of Arms of the Dunham family 
is particularly beautiful in design and colors, and 
bears the significant legend, "Semper Vigilante" 
("Always Vigilant"), which is claimed to be a 
noticeable characteristic of the Dunham tribe; 
but which, more likely, is intended to emphasize 
and impress the duty and the necessity of con- 
stant watchfulness. 

I made a public confession of faith in 1855, 
and united with the old First Congregational 
Church in my native town. Fitted for college 
at Lewis Academy, Southington, graduating as 
valedictorian in the Summer of 1855. Entered 
Yale College with the Class of 1859, but was 
soon obliged, by the return of a serious affection 
of the eyes, to abandon study for nearly a year. 
I then re-entered Yale and graduated with the 



12 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

Class of i860. I had the good fortune to be one 
of seven young men from that same town and 
that same old church who graduated at Yale Col- 
lege at about the same time, every one of w T hom 
entered the Christian Ministry. 

Among these "seven wise (or otherwise) 
men" of Connecticut was my dear old fellow- 
student and college chum, a life-long friend al- 
ways known as "Joe Twitchell," but during his 
forty-six or forty-seven years' pastorate of the 
Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, 
almost equally well known as the intimate friend 
of Mark Twain, and whether as student, athlete, 
"Chaplain Joe," wholesouled companion and 
friend, pastor, preacher, story teller, writer, pub- 
lic spirited citizen, or for many years as a mem- 
ber of the Yale Corporation, beloved by every- 
body. 

CHOICE OF THE MINISTRY 

During senior year in college the decision was 
fully reached to enter the ministry. To this one 
thing I seemed shut up, and there was no alterna- 
tive. Previous to entering college and during 
much of the college course, other professions had 
held out their inducements, but now they had lost 
all their attraction. I could no longer think of 



The Life Story of Half a Century 13 



them with any relish, or with the least desire to 
seek them. One passion possessed my heart and 
soul — to preach the Gospel. No other pursuit 
seemed worthy of my ambition, and no other pro- 
fession appealed to my reason or laid hold upon 
my inmost convictions. The thought of the sa- 
cred ministry was the only thought that really 
satisfied my mind, or harmonized either with my 
feelings or my conscience. 

This I have always regarded as an evidence of 
my divine call to the ministry. I had no heart 
for anything else. Nothing else would satisfy. 
"Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel." 

One day in the latter part of senior year, out 
under the New Haven elms, I met one of my most 
zealous, warm-hearted Christian classmates, who 
said, "Well, Sam, what are you going to do when 
you get through college?" The reply was that 
I had decided to study for the ministry. "Why, 
bless your heart, Sam, if any Church ever gets 
you for a pastor, they'll never let you go as long 
as you live." This remark was accepted, not ex- 
actly as a prophecy, but as a kind of confirmation 
of the fact that I had made no mistake in the 
choice of my calling. 

I pursued my theological studies for two years 



14 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

in Union Theological Seminary, New York City, 
and a third year at Andover, Mass., where I was 
graduated in August, 1863. 

During these delightful years of preparation 
for my chosen profession I enjoyed the sound in- 
struction of such able and gifted professors as 
Edward Robinson (a native of the town of South- 
ington, Conn.), Thomas H. Skinner, Henry B. 
Smith, Roswell D. Hitchcock and Henry Had- 
ley, at Union Seminary; and Edwards A. Park, 
Calvin Stowe, E. P. Barrows, Austin Phelps and 
Philip SchafF, at Andover. 

My first sermon was preached, while in Union 
Theological Seminary, in March, 1862, at the 
First Street Presbyterian Church, New York City. 
The text was 1 Kings xix:i2. My second ef- 
fort at preaching was at the Broadway Mission 
Church in May, 1862. 

My official license to preach, however, was 
granted February 3, 1863, by the Essex South 
Association at Salem, Mass. 

MY FIRST PASTORATE 

In April, 1863, four months previous to grad- 
uation at Andover, I began preaching in the pul- 
pit of the venerable "First Church in Brookfield," 
known as the Congregational Church of West 



The Life Story of Half a Century 15 



Brookfield, Mass. I was called to the regular 
pastorate of the same church the following March, 
and was ordained and installed as its twelfth 
pastor on October 4, 1864. 

The previous Autumn, on October 6. 1863, was 
consummated one of the happiest of unions. In 
the person of Sarah Maria Clark of Harwinton, 
Litchfield County, Conn., God gave me a highly 
cultured and devoted Christian wife, who, for 
more than thirty years thereafter, proved a most 
efficient and faithful helper in all that pertained 
to my work as pastor. During all these years the 
service she rendered was beyond all praise, and 
can never fade from my memory. 

Here, in this old Brookfield church, were spent 
seven and a half years of intense and earnest la- 
bor which I count among the happiest and most 
fruitful years of my ministry. 

SPIRITUAL REFRESHINGS 

From the first it pleased God to visit us with 
showers of spiritual refreshing. While in Yale 
College I had passed through the wonderful re- 
vival scenes of 1857-8, the most wide-sweeping 
work of grace of the last century, and had seen 
the whole moral and spiritual tone and atmos- 
phere of the college changed. But in that old 



16 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

Massachusetts parish were seen some of the most 
marked manifestations of God's power it has ever 
been my privilege to witness, either before or 
since. 

For thirty years previous to 1864, spite of some 
cheering tokens of the divine blessing, the acces- 
sions to the Church had not been sufficient to re- 
pair the yearly waste from removals and deaths. 

The spiritual quickenings had not been of suf- 
ficient extent and power to counteract the steady 
process of depletion. The cause is not far to 
seek. 

It was a time of great political agitation and 
factional strife, although for a period of full 125 
years (from 1717 to 1842) the Church had en- 
joyed almost unbroken harmony and peace. To 
a remarkable degree the Church and community 
had been widely known as a united, happy and 
prosperous people. 

But about the year 1842, the Church was sadly 
rent and disturbed by the bitter anti-slavery agi- 
tations of that stormy time. The conflict was 
something fearful. Fierce antagonisms were en- 
gendered. The more conservative wing of the 
church, headed by a strong-willed and not over 
discreet pastor, openly arrayed against an earnest 
and determined minority of conscientious, though 



The Life Story of Half a Century 17 



excited and headstrong, radicals full of fight, will 
fairly indicate the threatening and painful pos- 
ture of affairs. 

The strife waxed hot, and soon became bitter 
even to the extreme of violence. 

It is not strange, therefore, that the church 
which had so long been distinguished for peace 
and harmony, and had often been characterized 
as "the best congregation in the country," now 
lapsed into spiritual coldness, and entered upon a 
protracted period of decline. 

As in many other churches of the Common- 
wealth, it was a time of spiritual dearth. Dur- 
ing a period of more than seven years there was 
not a single addition to the Church on Con- 
fession of Faith. 

Feeling was intense, prejudice ran high, and 
the fires of passion were let loose throughout that 
whole region. In many quarters, under the guise 
of zeal against the system of slavery, a bold at- 
tack was made upon the sacred institutions of 
religion. Conventions professedly called in the 
interests of anti-slavery, partook largely of the 
character of anti-Christian assemblages. 

The Bible was subjected to unfair criticism; 
the sanctity of the Sabbath was called in ques- 
tion ; the church grossly slandered, and the Chris- 



18 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

tian ministry misrepresented and maligned. 

But rancor and hatred gradually died away, 
and there dawned at length a better day for the 
cause of religion in that community. 

Now, by the blessing of God, the old church 
took on new life and power. I shall never cease 
to praise the Lord for that early gracious bap- 
tism of the Holy Ghost upon the very beginnings 
of my ministry, and for the precious privilege, at 
the first communion after my ordination, Nov., 
1864, — my first administration of the Lord's 
Supper — of welcoming twenty-five persons on 
confession of their faith in Christ, followed, a 
little later, by the addition of many others. 

A MEMORABLE YEAR 

But the year 1867 stands out in memory with 
especial prominence in this first pastorate. It was 
a year long to be remembered. 

A revival of most marked and manifest power 
broke out, having its encouraging beginnings and 
signs of promise in the increasing fervor and spirit 
of expectancy on the part of the people just 
previous to the Week of Prayer in January. The 
interest steadily deepened throughout the Winter, 
resulting in a good many cases of conversion, and 
culminated about the middle of March in an old- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 19 



fashioned "Protracted Meeting" of three days' 
duration, conducted by the pastor, who was ably 
assisted by a number of his ministerial brethren 
from neighboring towns and parishes. 

There was no evangelist, no great chorus choir, 
no professional soloists, no so-called "Gospel 
Hymns," no organized body of trained ushers 
and personal workers, no advertising committee, 
no press committee, or reporters, no flaring bulle- 
tins, no cards to be signed, no mechanical meth- 
ods of any sort, and none of the paraphernalia 
of a present day "Evangelistic Meeting." It 
was bare of all these modern attractions. 

But the spacious edifice was daily crowded 
with eager listeners. There was devout singing 
of the old revival hymns, the most direct, pun- 
gent preaching of the Gospel three times a day — 
morning, afternoon and evening — the services 
generally preceded by a half hour of earnest 
prayer, and followed by an inquiry meeting, or 
by some opportunity for an expression of interest. 
Added to all this the most extraordinary personal 
efforts were put forth in behalf of the uncon- 
verted. It was a memorable week. The Spirit 
of God was poured out mightily. The very at- 
mosphere seemed charged as with some electric 
energy. You could not but feel God's presence. 



20 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

Many adults as well as young people became anx- 
ious for their souls, and found peace at the Cross 
of Christ. 

For many gracious weeks following the pro- 
tracted meeting the Spirit of God continued to 
move powerfully upon the community. Among 
the converts were many who, for long years, had 
resisted the claims of Christ, some of whom had 
even denied the truths of Revelation and were 
avowed infidels. A number of the leading citi- 
zens of the town were soundly converted, and 
now cast their influence positively on the side of 
the Christian faith. Religion was the one dom- 
inant theme. 

The old church was greatly strengthened, and 
the whole community experienced something like 
a spiritual transformation. 

Just previous to the beginning of my minis- 
try when the church was vacant and for a few 
months following, Boston Unitarianism had per- 
sistently sought to gain foothold in the town. 
Their preachers maintained Sabbath services in 
the Town Hall for some time with a view to the 
establishment of a church of that order. But 
the project failed completely, and to this day foot- 
hold has never been found for that peculiar 
Cf ism." There was no longer any demand for it. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 21 



There was in fact no material left out of which 
to make a Unitarian Church. Revivals proved 
the death-blow of the movement. 

Arianism was relegated to the third century 
whence it sprang, and from that time there arose 
a fresh and more imperative demand for Ortho- 
dox Trinitarianism, with a divine Christ and a 
divine Savior. 

Until it shall be disproved that Jesus is the 
divine Son of God, himself "Very God," co- 
equal with the Father, the sole Redeemer of man- 
kind, and until Christ's "Cross and passion" shall 
have been emptied of their meaning and shall 
have lost their power, the world will have no 
pressing need of any prophecy of a "New Re- 
ligion." 

A CHURCH ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY 
YEARS OLD 

The year 1867 was remarkable in another re- 
spect. In the Autumn of that year this old, his- 
toric church, with fitting ceremonies, commemo- 
rated the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of 
its founding. The date of the observance, — 
which proved to be a delightfully balmy In- 
dian summer day — fell on October 16th, the 
church having been organized October 16, 



22 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

1717. The anniversary was celebrated with the 
greatest enthusiasm, and proved every way a 
notable and memorable occasion. It drew to- 
gether a large assemblage from a wide region 
of country, including former pastors, minis- 
ters reared in the parish, prominent men in the 
various walks of life, and members and friends 
of the Church from far and near. Congratu- 
latory letters were received from distinguished 
sons of the Church, and from the Governor of the 
State, his excellency, Hon. Alex. H. Bullock. 

To the young pastor had been assigned the 
formidable task of collecting, sifting and prepar- 
ing, at immense cost of time anl labor, all the his- 
torical matter covering the full period of 150 
years. 

The history of such a church is as entertaining 
as a book of travel, and as fascinating as a novel. 

The preparation involved a careful and thor- 
ough exploration of the records of town, parish 
and church for the entire period, and a critical 
examination of every other available source of in- 
formation, besides an extensive correspondence, 
in order that all dates, names and facts might be 
accurately verified. 

The work was published by Samuel Bowles 
and Company, Springfield, Mass., and, in response 



The Life Story of Half a Century 23 



to numerous requests, found a place on the shelves 
of the principal libraries of New England. 

It embraced the history and results of all the 
successive pastorates in chronological order, un- 
der the heading, " Pastors, Pastorates and Con- 
nected History" ; also sketches of "The Deacons 
of the Church," some thirty in all, among them a 
number of men of mark and public prominence 
in their time; a history of "The Houses of Wor- 
ship," reciting the fortunes of the several "Meet- 
ing Houses," with their various enlargements and 
improvements, and noting the fact that the first 
meeting house erected in the town, sharing the 
common fate of the little settlement, was laid in 
ashes by the Indians on the night of August 4th, 
1675. 

The work further presents biographical sketches 
of "Ministers from the Church and Parish," in- 
cluding men of national reputation in the world 
of letters, education and other lines of achieve- 
ment, not the least honored name among them 
being that of the eminent Professor Austin 
Phelps, born in West Brookfield in 1820 during 
the ten years' pastorate of his father, Rev. Dr. 
Eliakim Phelps. Professor Phelps was married 
in 1842 to Elizabeth Stuart, oldest daughter of 
Professor Moses Stuart of Andover, whence the 



24 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

name of that gifted daughter, so well and widely- 
known by her writings, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps. 

Included, also, in the historical review is an 
account of "The Sabbath School" from its origin 
in 1817 — the first school to be established in that 
part of Massachusetts, and one of the earliest in 
America. It was started against strong preju- 
dice, "with a load of odium upon it." It was 
deemed an unnecessary innovation and encoun- 
tered bitter opposition. Some efforts of the kind 
had been attempted in Boston, but it was not 
considered adapted to the country villages at all. 
It was regarded as a sort of "literary soup-house 
for the children of the poor," and that only in 
the large cities. Good Christian people were 
very much opposed to it "as a desecration of the 
Sabbath," and it was not until after several sea- 
sons of successful operation that prejudice suffi- 
ciently wore away to induce some even of the 
church members to allow their children to at- 
tend. 

"Missionaries and Missionary Spirit" forms 
another very important chapter in the life of the 
old church. 

Following this is a chapter setting forth the 
church's conspicuous and honorable record for 
"patriotism" from the days of the old Conti- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 25 

nental Congress and the Revolutionary period 
down to the stirring scenes and events of the 
Civil War. 

Both ministers and churches bore no insig- 
nificant part in that great and decisive conflict, 
as well as in the exciting events, agitations and 
heated controversies which preceded and followed 
it. 

INFLUENCE OF PREACHERS BEFORE AND 
DURING THE CIVIL WAR 

In the War of the Rebellion, the influence of 
preachers, everywhere in the North, was made to 
tell mightily on the side of the Union. It is 
doubtful what might have been the fate of our 
Government, or of our armies in the field, had 
they not received the loyal support of the minis- 
try, and had not the patriot heart of the country 
been continually fired by the eloquent pleas of 
the pulpit. 

The Broadway Tabernacle Church, New York, 
moved, from the first, with the spirit of Chas. G. 
Finney, was among the foremost in its opposition 
to slavery. Its first house of worship at Broad- 
way and Worth Street was destroyed by incen- 
diary slavery sympathizers. Its second site, at 
Broadway and 34th Street, gained the name of 



26 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

"Liberty Corner." On a single Sunday in 1864, 
$30,000 was raised to equip a regiment for the 
Union Army. 

In relation, also, to the great anti-slavery move- 
ment of ante-bellum days, the clergy bore an im- 
portant part. Ministers, North and Souths were 
engaged in the sharp, "irrepressible conflict." 
Abolitionists and reformers like William Lloyd 
Garrison, Wendell Phillips, Gerrit Smith, Lucy 
Stone (a native of West Brookfield, Mass., and 
who, as Mrs. Stanton says, "first really stirred 
the nation's heart on the subject of woman's 
wrongs"), Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henry Ward 
Beecher, and many more, were goading the min- 
istry on to take the side of the oppressed slave; 
while conservative ministers and churches that 
were suspected of pro-slavery sentiment and did 
not wheel promptly into line, were lashed and 
criticised unmercifully. 

Nor were the lines invariably drawn between 
North and South at Mason and Dixon's line. 
There were not a few of our northern preachers, 
who either espoused the pro-slavery side, and 
sought to defend the system upon Scriptural 
grounds, or, at least, did not take an open stand 
against the system, and assumed, rather, the atti- 
tude of timid or silent apologists. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 27 



The old and new school parties in the Presby- 
terian Church were not divided on strictly theo- 
logical lines, but there was a decided cleavage 
on questions growing out of the heated debates 
and ecclesiastical deliverances of the two schools 
respecting the institution of slavery. This per- 
petuated the split between the two opposing 
bodies for more than thirty years, — from 1837 to 
1870. 

When I entered the ministry in Massachusetts, 
in 1863, — right in the midst of the fiercest strug- 
gles of our Civil War, the flames of controversy 
had not yet died out, the tremendous agitation 
had not yet cooled off. The burning question 
out of which the war sprung was the question of 
the existence, perpetuation and extension of Af- 
rican slavery. And that, — coupled with the vital 
question of the preservation of the Union, — con- 
tinued to be the burning question, until, and be- 
yond that crucial, historic hour when, on the first 
day of January one thousand eight hundred and 
sixty-three, Abraham Lincoln rose to the grandeur 
of that supreme act when he issued the Proclama- 
tion of Emancipation, and invoked upon it "the 
considerate judgment of mankind, and the gra- 
cious favor of Almighty God." 



28 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

THE MOTHER OF CHURCHES 

Going back to the early years of the eighteenth 
century (1717), we find this old First Church of 
Brookfield to be the real Mother of Churches in 
all that region. In the midst of a wilderness still 
infested with wild beasts and savages, it stood 
absolutely isolated and alone as the only church 
in all that part of the country. The nearest 
neighbor was the First Church ("Old South"), 
Worcester, Mass., organized a few months earlier 
in 1716. 

The Indian name of the settlement was Qua- 
boag until 1673, wh en it became a township and 
took the name of Brookfield. Two years later 
(1675) th e village was completely wiped out by 
the Indians in King Philip's War. 

From the first settlement of the place in 1660 
some sort of religious services had been maintained 
by the settlers, the hardy sons of the Pilgrims. 
But the incendiary destruction of the little ham- 
let and the dispersion of its inhabitants delayed 
the organization of the church for many years. 

On the day that the church was formally con- 
stituted Thomas Cheney, a graduate of Harvard 
College in the class of 1711, was solemnly or- 
dained its first pastor, and continued in that re- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 29 

lation for more than thirty years until his death 
in 1747. 

WHITEFIELD'S NOTABLE VISIT 

It was during this first pastorate that this coun- 
try was visited by that marvelous work of grace, 
the "Great Awakening" of 1740. Whitefield, 
then less than twenty-six years of age, was mak- 
ing his second visit to America, and his first 
preaching tour through New England. On his 
way from Leicester to Northampton to pay a visit 
to Jonathan Edwards, he halted for a night in 
Brookfield, and before leaving preached with stir- 
ring effect to the inhabitants of the town. Un- 
able to gain admission to the "meeting-house" be- 
cause of the press of the people, the assembly 
withdrew to an open field near by, and listened 
to the fervid and moving eloquence of the youth- 
ful preacher. The rock on which Mr. White- 
field stood on "Foster's Hill" during the delivery 
of his sermon is still pointed out as an object of 
peculiar historic interest. 

As a result of that discourse there followed a 
revival in which the pastor took an active part, 
and the church received a large accession to its 
membership. 

As a kind of connecting link with the earliest 



30 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

settlers of Massachusetts and in perpetuation of 
the spirit and faith of the forefathers, it seemed 
only appropriate that I should have in that old 
church as senior deacon Mr. Alfred White, a 
lineal descendant, in the fifth generation, of Pere- 
grine White, who was born on board the May- 
flower in Cape Cod Harbor November 20. 1620, 
— the first white child to be born in New Eng- 
land. During my pastorate the sixtieth wedding 
anniversary of this good deacon and his estimable 
wife was duly celebrated in the church. A sin- 
gular fact that came to light on this happy occa- 
sion was that the aged couple had never passed a 
night outside of their own home in all those sixty 
years since their wedding day. 

FIRST EUROPEAN TOUR 

It was in the latter part of this first pastorate, 
during a six months leave of absence generously 
granted by the people, in the Autumn and Winter 
of 1869-' 70, that we enjoyed the privilege of our 
first visit to Europe. The tour included Eng- 
land, France, Belgium, Holland, the Rhine Coun- 
try, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, and was 
full of rare interest, profit and pleasure. Two 
months were spent in Italy amid its exhaustless 
treasures of art and architecture, its cathedrals 



The Life Story of Half a Century 31 



and palaces, its galleries, museums and studios, 
its ancient ruins and modern villas. Florence 
was at that time the capital with King Victor 
Emmanuel on the throne. Pope Pius IX ruled 
at the Vatican. 

THE VATICAN COUNCIL OF 1869-70 AND 
ITALIAN UNITY. A SERIES OF 
STARTLING EVENTS 

It was our good fortune to be present at St. 
Peter's on the day of the opening of the great 
Ecumenical Council, December 8, 1869, the fa- 
mous council that proclaimed the dogma of Papal 
infallibility. It is an almost startlingly signifi- 
cant fact of divine Providence that, in the stern 
logic of events, the Franco-Prussian War was de- 
clared on the very same day that that monstrous 
dogma was proclaimed to the world. This dec- 
laration of war led directly to the withdrawal of 
the French troops stationed at Rome for the pro- 
tection of His Holiness the Pope and the guard- 
ing of St. Peter's and the Vatican. This again 
proved to be the favorable moment for Garibaldi 
and Victor Emmanuel to storm the gates of Rome 
and to enter and take possession of the city, and 
make it thenceforth the capital of a re-united 
Italy. The Papal States were abolished, and the 



32 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

capital opened up to Protestant influences and 
Protestant worship and the unhindered circula- 
tion of the Word of God. 

At the time of our visit no Protestant house of 
worship existed in Rome, and not a Protestant 
religious service was tolerated within the city's 
walls. For the public worship of God we were 
obliged to go outside the Porto del Popolo. 

But, a few months later the hour of triumph 
came, and Father Gavazzi, always full of fire and 
enthusiasm, had the exquisite joy of seeing a Bible 
Depository opened right under the very shadow 
of St. Peter's, and of distributing freely with his 
own hand copies of the blessed Book from the 
very steps of the great cathedral. A short time 
afterwards, in New York City, we were thrilled 
with Father Gavazzi' s eloquence as, with the air 
and mien of a victor, in graphic words and with 
violent gesticulation and action, he depicted the 
remarkable scene in glaring contrast with his past 
experience when the Bible had rested under the 
ban. 

Not always does Lowell's saying hold good, — 
"Truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on 
the throne." 

Better the words of the Apostle, — "For we can 



The Life Story of Half a Century 33 



do nothing against the truth but for the truth." 
(2 Cor. 13:8.) 

Or Gamaliel's bold challenge, "If this counsel 
or this work be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; 
lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." 
(Acts 5:39.) 

"And right is right, since God is God ; 
And right the day must win; 
To doubt would be disloyalty, 
To falter would be sin." 

All this found its triumphant verification in 
the rapid succession of events chronicled above. 

From this our first tour abroad as a young man, 
in the earlier years of our ministry, we brought 
back a rich fund of experience and information 
which has proved of exceeding value and a never 
failing source of enjoyment and delight during 
all the subsequent years. 

OLD FIflST CHURCH, NORWALK, CONN. 
FOUNDED IN 1652 

The following Autumn, in November, 1870, 
having accepted an invitation from the old First 
(Congregational) Church of Nor walk, Conn., two 
happy years were spent in that large and impor- 
tant field as acting pastor. They were years 



34 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

marked by most gratifying growth and prosper- 
ity. This has long been one of the strong and in- 
fluential churches of the State, and ranks among 
the very oldest of the churches of New England, 
having been organized in the year 1652 — only 
thirty-two years after the landing of the Pilgrims 
at Plymouth Rock. The 250th anniversary of 
this ancient organization was celebrated with fit- 
ting ceremonies in the year 1902. Included 
among the members of the large congregation dur- 
ing the term of our service were a number of men 
of especial prominence. The Chief Justice of 
the State was a regular attendant; also two sons 
of former Governor Bissell and their families, 
and United States Senator O. S. Ferry and fam- 
ily, Mrs. Ferry being a daughter of Governor Bis- 
sell. Lawyers, physicians and retired ministers 
were much in evidence, — the sort of a congrega- 
tion to put a young preacher on his mettle. 

THE WEST CHURCH, BINGHAMTON 

But our retrospect has more particular refer- 
ence to the origin and history of the West Pres- 
byterian Church of Binghamton. To this church 
has been given by far the larger portion of our 
ministerial life and labor, covering a period of 
nearly thirty years. It has become a vital part 



The Life Story of Half a Century 35 



of our own life, inseparably connected with any 
review or even thought of the pleasant years of 
our ministry. 

One can hardly think of the origin and feeble 
beginnings of the West Church and of its present 
commanding position and influence in the com- 
munity without being forcibly reminded of the 
pertinent words of Zechariah in Chapter 4:10, 
"Who hath despised the day of small things?" 

The parallel is marked and not without its in- 
structive lesson. 

Upon Zerubbabel as head of the tribe of Ju- 
dah, at the period of their return from the Baby- 
lonish captivity, devolved the great work of re- 
building the ruined Temple. 

The task was entered upon immediately on his 
arrival in Jerusalem. 

In the opinion of on-lookers the preparations 
made were insignificant and altogether inadequate 
to the greatness of the undertaking. The feeble 
and unpromising commencement of the effort ap- 
pears to have been regarded with something like 
popular contempt. 

The day of such small things was looked upon 
as simply despicable. 

With this short-sighted human view of the 
matter, however, God's estimate of the enterprise 



36 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

is here set in striking contrast. "For those seven 
eyes of Jehovah which run to and fro through 
the whole earth rejoiced when they saw the plum- 
met in the hand of Zerubbabel." God gloried in 
that which men scorned; and that in which they 
saw only the certainty of inglorious failure, — in 
those same humble beginnings He discerned the 
promise of triumphant success. 

"This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, 
saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my 
Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, O 
great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt be- 
come a plain; and he shall bring forth the head- 
stone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace 
unto it." (Zech. 4:6, 7.) 

PASSED ITS FORTY-FIRST MILESTONE 

By the Providential care and loving favor of 
Heaven the West Presbyterian Church has passed 
its forty-first golden milestone. 

On the 12th day of February, 1873, our be- 
loved church, by the grace of God, started out on 
its career in the community and in the world. 
We pause a while to glance back over the road 
we have traveled. 

To those of us, especially, who have been part 
and parcel of the enterprise from the beginning, 



The Life Story of Half a Century 37 



the way appears, every foot of it, a true and real 
"Via Sacra" — a way hallowed by many sacred 
scenes ; a way consecrated by many holy and pre- 
cious memories; a pathway baptized with prayer, 
and bedewed with tears, and made memorable by 
many a self-denying struggle ; years rendered for- 
ever dear by many tender ties and true attach- 
ments and friendships not soon to be broken, and 
sweet and sacred fellowships that shall last to all 
eternity. 

Turning our eyes backward for a brief survey 
of the decades now closed, and contrasting our 
condition forty years ago with that of the pres- 
ent time, we may, with some appropriateness, 
adopt the language of the prophet, and inquire, 
"Who hath despised the day of small things? 55 

Who is he that shall frown now upon the fee- 
bleness of our beginning, or ridicule to-day the 
undertaking of a courageous little band of men 
and women more than forty years ago? 

My own official connection and personal identi- 
fication with the history of this church from its 
beginning naturally incline me to shrink from the 
public recital of our few and simple records, lest 
it may savor somewhat the appearance of a chap- 
ter in my own ministerial and personal biography. 
But, frankly disclaiming any desire to thrust my- 



38 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

self into undue prominence, I am convinced, upon 
due reflection, that my peculiar relation to the 
church as its first pastor, and my familiarity with 
its work from the beginning, ought to furnish a 
special reason why the task of gathering and writ- 
ing out its earliest records should devolve upon 
me, rather than upon any one less acquainted with 
the facts connected with our origin, and with the 
annals of these opening years of our church life. 

EXCEEDING INTEREST AND VALUE OF 
EARLIEST RECORDS 

Remembering the risk we run of losing our 
church records altogether, by fire or other acci- 
dent, it has forced itself upon me as a duty, owed 
by me to the church, to prevent, if possible, such 
a disaster. In the case of many of the older 
churches of this country, their early records were 
but imperfectly kept, and, where they were kept 
more fully, in not a few instances their first and 
most valuable records have been destroyed or lost 
beyond recovery. In the early days of our coun- 
try's history, the exceeding value of such his- 
torical data appears to have been little appre- 
ciated. Consequently, some of the churches in 
the oldest sections of the country, especially in 
New England, are now unable to discover the 



The Life Story of Half a Century 39 



precise date even of their formation, and periods 
embracing many years of their history must be 
left almost an entire blank by the historian. 
Could those pioneers and fathers of our republic, 
who builded so much better than they knew, have 
but foreseen the significance of their acts, and 
could they have measured the value and far-reach- 
ing importance of the foundations they were then 
laying, and had they taken a little more pains 
to preserve and transmit the humble record of 
their doings, we should to-day be far richer than 
we are in the materials of a complete ecclesiasti- 
cal history. It is a familiar fact that mountains 
more impress us with their magnitude as we with- 
draw to a distance from them. Similarly, the 
events of history grow in importance, and in fas- 
cinating interest, in proportion as they recede 
from us into the past. Those who shall enjoy 
the good fortune to be living and acting here a 
hundred years hence, or half a century, or even a 
quarter of a century from this day, will look back 
upon this the first chapter of our history as pos- 
sessing far keener interest, and as freighted with 
far deeper meaning than do we who are, at pres- 
ent, the actors in this history. 

In the annals of churches, as of individuals and 
of nations, the day of their small and feeble be- 



40 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

ginnings is often found to be, in reality, the day 
of things relatively very great and important in 
their bearing and influence upon all subsequent 
growth. The time is surely coming when it will 
be seen that the most vitally important period of 
this church's life and growth is precisely that 
which now comes under our immediate review. 
Not so much, however, because of the greatness 
of the results already achieved, as by reason of the 
significant relation of those results to all the future. 

Such considerations have influenced me to waive, 
for the time, all feelings of personal delicacy, in 
the confident belief that an accurate and careful, 
and even a somewhat detailed account of the short 
period of our history will not be without interest 
to those, at least, who shall come after us. If 
we do no more we shall at least succeed in earning 
the gratitude of our children and our children's 
children in coming generations. 

THE INITIAL MOVEMENT CHECKED BY 
THE BURNING OF THE NEW EDIFICE 
OF THE FIRST CHURCH 

About the year i860 or J 6l, near the beginning 
of Rev. Dr. Boardman's pastorate in the First 
Presbyterian Church, and some ten years previous 
to the organization of the North Presbyterian So- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 41 



ciety in the northern part of the city, a movement 
was set on foot for the starting of a Second Pres- 
byterian Church to be located on the west side 
of the Chenango River. Prominent citizens, then 
having their residence on this side the river, took 
an active interest in the project, and the sum of 
$10,000 or $12,000 was subscribed towards the 
building of a house of worship. 

But the enterprise which, from the first, had 
met with little favor on the part of the majority 
of the members of the mother church, was, finally, 
abandoned when, in March, 1862, the new edifice 
of the First Church was destroyed by fire. This 
calamity was felt as a common loss, and seemed 
to call loudly for a union of all the members in 
sustaining the burden of rebuilding. The mov- 
ers of the new enterprise were constrained to be- 
stow their means and energies upon the erection 
of the present noble edifice of the parent society; 
and so the project of a Second Presbyterian 
Church was, for the time, relinquished. 

DELAYED BY THE REMOVAL OF THE CON- 
GREGATIONALISTS TO THE WEST SIDE 

In the year following (1863), the Congrega- 
tionalists having sold their old house on Chenango 
Street, — the building long known thereafter as 



42 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

the Academy of Music, — secured their present 
church site at the corner of Main and Front 
Streets, built a chapel, and located on the west 
side of the river. This action for a long time, 
apparently, kept at rest all thought of establish- 
ing another kindred organization in the western 
portion of the city; and, for ten years following, 
and those years of Binghamton's most rapid in- 
crease in population up to that date, — the First 
Congregational Church enjoyed the sole occu- 
pancy of this field. Meantime, the North Pres- 
byterian Church had been formed April 17, 
1870. 

But, such was the growth, past and prospective, 
of this section of the town, and so considerable 
was the number of Presbyterian families residing 
west of the river, that, early in 1871, it was felt 
that the time had arrived to move in the matter 
of the formation of a third society. 

The movement assumed definite shape May 
29th of that year, when the first preliminary 
meeting was held at the residence of Mr. M. L. 
Barnes, No. 96 (now 124) Oak Street. 

Adjourned meetings were also held at the same 
place on June 5th and 12th to complete arrange- 
ments for the organization, at the former of which 
it was Resolved — "That we now proceed to the 



The Life Story of Half a Century 43 

formation of a third Presbyterian society in 
Binghamton." 

All these meetings, as the written records 
plainly indicate, were characterized by careful de- 
liberation, and an earnest spirit of prayer for the 
divine guidance. 

WEST CHURCH SOCIETY ORGANIZED 

On the 28th of June, 1871, at a public meet- 
ing legally called, and held at the house of Mr. 
Barnes, the West Presbyterian Society was for- 
mally organized, and a board of trustees elected. 
Two or three of the trustees, chosen at that time, 
declining to serve, their places were subsequently 
filled by others, and the full original board, as 
finally constituted, was made up of the six fol- 
lowing members: — M. L. Barnes, G. W. Bur- 
bank, E. F. Matthews, E. B. Barnes, J. H. 
Christopher, and E. W. Evans, all of whom are 
now deceased. James W. Manier was also chosen 
as the first secretary and treasurer of the society, 
and retained the position until his resignation in 
January, 1875. 

A building lot, of large dimensions, situated on 
North Street, was purchased of John Blanding 
July 21, 1871, which was afterwards enlarged by 
the purchase of other smaller lots belonging to 



44 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

James H. Christopher, — -the cost of the whole 
amounting to $5,000. 

On the 22d of January, 1872, a building com- 
mittee was appointed, consisting of James W. 
Manier, M. L. Barnes and George W. Burbank; 
and in the following August ground was broken 
and foundations laid for a large brick chapel. 
About the middle of November in the same year 
(1872), the writer, — at that time of Norwalk, 
Conn., — by invitation visited Binghamton, and 
met the people socially at the house of Mr. Barnes. 
Included in the gathering were not only those di- 
rectly interested in the new enterprise, but also 
the pastors and other representatives of a number 
of the city churches. 

A call tendered November 24, 1872, at a salary 
of $2,000 and the use of a house, was formally 
accepted November 29th. On the first day of the 
following January (1873), his labors in this field 
were begun. 

THE CHAPEL DEDICATED 

A few days later the chapel was completed at 
an aggregate cost, for lots and building, with its 
furniture, of about $18,000. The impressive 
dedicatory services occurred Thursday evening, 
January 16, 1873. Rev. Charles P. Coit, of the 



The Life Story of Half a Century 45 



North Presbyterian Church, read the Scriptures; 
Rev. Dr. Lyman Wright, pastor of the First Bap- 
tist Church, offered prayer ; the sermon was deliv- 
ered by Rev. J. P. Gulliver, D.D., pastor of the 
First Presbyterian Church, from the text, Psalm 
132:1-5. Rev. D. D. Gregory, Rev. Sabin Mc- 
Kinney, and Rev. Dr. Edward Taylor, pastor of 
the First Congregational Church, made brief ad- 
dresses, and the prayer of dedication was offered 
by the pastor-elect. The singing was led by 
Prof. E. S. Frisbie, afterwards president of Wells 
College. The pulpit and platform were taste- 
fully decorated for the occasion; and about the 
audience room had been placed several Scriptural 
mottoes: On the plain wall back of the pulpit, 
"Looking unto Jesus"; at the opposite end of the 
room, "Faith, Hope, Charity"; on the sides, "Je- 
hovah Nissi," "God is Love," and "Come unto 
Me"; in the vestibule the word "welcome" on 
the wall, and the same on the door-mats in large, 
red letters, telling what has ever since remained 
true, and we trust ever will, that our church doors 
warmly welcome all comers. 

On the evening of the dedication between 
$4,000 and $5,000 were raised toward liquidat- 
ing the debt, leaving an indebtedness of some 
$1 1,000. 



46 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

The original chapel was spacious, and its in- 
terior, though plain, was pleasant and attractive. 
Including the transept or wing, it had a seating 
capacity for about five hundred persons. In size 
it much exceeded the original meeting house of 
the First Church, which was occupied for a dozen 
years, from 1820 to 1832, or until near the close 
of Rev. Mr. Lockwood's pastorate, and which 
Dr. Boardman, in his "Historical Discourse," 
says, "was fifty feet in length by forty in breadth, 
and contained sixty pews, affording seats for 
about three hundred people." It was of but 
slightly smaller dimensions than that old edifice 
after its enlargement, and which served the First 
Church as a house of worship down to 1844 or 
1845, until its second enlargement during the 
ministry of Rev. Mr. Gregory. 

On the evening following the dedication (Fri- 
day, January 17th), our first prayer meeting was 
held in the lecture room. Thirty-seven persons 
were in attendance at this our first gathering for 
social worship in the new house. Those of us 
who were privileged to be present, remember it as 
a season of deep and delightful interest, the 
thankful, joyous spirit of which is well pictured 
in the 100th Psalm, which was read at that 
service. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 47 



OUR FIRST SABBATH 

The first Sabbath services in the newly dedi- 
cated chapel were held January 19, 1873, the 
opening sermon by the pastor-elect being founded 
upon Psalm 127:1, "Except the Lord build the 
house, they labour in vain that build it; except 
the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but 
in vain." 

The same day, at the close of morning worship, 
the Sabbath School was organized, the interesting 
particulars of which, elsewhere given, were fur- 
nished by Dr. Geo. F. Hand, its first superin- 
tendent (see Appendix). 

The week following was, by general consent, 
observed as a week of prayer, a meeting being 
held in the lecture room every evening. During 
the remainder of the Winter, also, frequent meet- 
ings for prayer or preaching were held which were 
attended with a good degree of religious interest, 
and resulted in a considerable number of hopeful 
conversions. Indeed, almost from the day of the 
opening of our chapel, the presence of the Holy 
Spirit was manifest; and thus God set His mark 
of favor upon our undertaking. 

The Articles of Faith and the Covenant to be 
found in the Church Manual, were adopted Feb- 



48 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



ruary 10, 1873. At the same time, it was de- 
cided to adopt the rotary system in the election 
of church officers, and a list of officers was nomi- 
nated. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH 

On Wednesday, February 12, 1873, the church 
was formally organized by the Presbytery of 
Binghamton, Rev. D. D. Gregory officiating as 
moderator, and Rev. W. H. Sawtelle, of Nine- 
veh, as clerk. 

On the same occasion the church made choice 
of Isaac A. Finney, M. L. Barnes, and G. W. 
Burbank as elders, and of E. F. Matthews, E. B. 
Barnes and J. W. Manier as deacons, all of whom 
were duly inducted into office, Mr. Gregory offer- 
ing the prayer of ordination. The constituting 
prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Gulliver, and, "in 
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Head 
of the Church, and by the authority of the Pres- 
bytery, The West Presbyterian Church of Bing- 
hamton" was pronounced and declared to be 
regularly organized in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

The church originally consisted of sixty-five 
members, — twenty-three males and forty-two fe- 
males. Fifty-three were from the First Presby- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 49 



terian Church; eleven came by letter from other 
churches, mostly outside of the city, and one was 
admitted upon confession of faith.* 

INSTALLATION OF FIRST PASTOR 

Rev. Samuel Dunham, having been received as 
a member of Binghamton Presbytery, from the 
Rrookfield Association of Massachusetts, was in- 
stalled the first pastor Thursday afternoon, April 
24, 1873. The installation sermon was preached 
by Rev. W. E. Knox, D.D., of Elmira, from the 
text Luke 5:5. The other parts of the service 
were by Rev. Drs. Gulliver and Taylor, Rev. 
Messrs. Peter Lockwood, D. D. Gregory, C. P. 
Coit, and Samuel T. Clarke, of Owego. The 
house, on this occasion, was beautifully adorned 
with evergreens and flowers. 

In the evening a social gathering, held in the 
chapel, was largely attended, and was enlivened 
with music and brief congratulatory addresses. 

The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was, for 
the first time, celebrated by us as a church in the 
month following its organization, March 2d, at 
which time there was an accession of four persons 
to our membership, three of whom, as a kind of 
first fruits were welcomed upon confession of their 

* See complete list of their names in the appendix. 



50 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

faith. The day will be remembered as one of 
tender interest, marking, as it did, the occasion 
of the first gathering of our little company about 
the table of our Lord. 

Such was our beginning. We have dwelt thus 
minutely upon the preliminary stages of our en- 
terprise simply because they were beginnings, — 
the vital seeds of later harvests ; the foundations, 
we trust, of many generations of beneficent influ- 
ence and power for Christ and His Truth. But 
the founding and permanent establishment of a 
new church in circumstances like ours was soon 
found to be no mere pleasant pastime. 

NO HOLIDAY PASTIME 

Let it not be inferred that our career has been 
a continuous holiday. On the contrary, the ear- 
liest chapters of our history were made only by 
the intensest sort of determined struggle and ef- 
fort, and that, like Zerubbabel and his feeble 
band of Jews, in the teeth of formidable diffi- 
culties and discouragements. 

We were few in numbers; our families were 
widely scattered; with few exceptions their means 
were very limited; we were brought into direct 
competition with strong and well equipped 
churches; for years, previous to the extension of 



The Life Story of Half a Century 51 



Chapin Street, we were cut off from Main Street 
and seemed to occupy a kind of isolated position, 
unfavorable to our growth; moreover, the finan- 
cial collapse in the early Autumn of 1873 over- 
took us in the first feebleness of our infancy, when 
we were scarcely more than six months old, and 
at a time when we were least prepared to meet 
it; worse than all, a feeling of discouragement — 
that worst foe of all progress — at length took 
possession of the hearts of many of our people, 
insomuch that a Zechariah or a Haggai was 
needed to sound a note of cheer, and to utter a 
prophecy of hope. 

HEROIC DEBT RAISING 

So early as January, 1875, lt was found that 
a debt of some $16,000 — the chief part of which 
was the balance remaining unpaid at the time of 
the dedication — was resting as a heavy burden, 
and even a grim menace, upon the society. The 
times were almost unprecedentedly hard, and this 
condition of things was long continued. 

The first six or seven years following the or- 
ganization of the church were years of almost 
unexampled business depression and financial 
stringency throughout the whole country. 
Churches everywhere felt the severity of the 



52 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

times ; very many of them were under the neces- 
sity of deep retrenchment, and not a few churches 
actually went down beneath their pecuniary bur- 
dens, and became extinct. 

The outlook for this church in 1875 was an 7" 
thing but encouraging. The debt was felt as a 
serious drawback, crippling our usefulness, hin- 
dering our growth, darkening all our prospects, 
and likely, in no long time, to carry us under 
unless the millstone were, by some means, re- 
moved. 

The trustees seemed almost at their wits' end, 
and scarcely knew what to do. But the pastor, 
on coming to this new field, had erased the word 
"impossible" from his dictionary. 

On the part of the people courage and deter- 
mination came to the rescue. God gave many 
of the members of this church a noble spirit of 
self-sacrifice, and a generous liberality not un- 
worthy of the days of the Apostles, and which 
would bear favorable comparison with that of the 
churches of Macedonia. "For to their power, I 
bare record, yea, and beyond their power, they 
were willing" to give of their means to rescue this 
beloved church from danger and threatened dis- 
aster. 

A brave, united effort to remove the debt was 



The Life Story of Half a Century 53 

soon determined upon, and a plan of procedure 
duly concerted. Following a sermon by the pas- 
tor upon "Sacrifice the Great Law of Life," one 
stormy Sabbath morning in the latter part of 
February, pledges were received on the spot, and 
a subscription paper started. The appeal met 
with a most generous response. With splendid 
liberality and self-denying devotion to the wel- 
fare of the church, the entire sum was, in a few 
days, subscribed and pledged. Of the whole 
amount, about $12,000 was assumed by the mem- 
bers of our own congregation, — the main part of 
it on the morning referred to, — and the balance 
of $4,000 was generously pledged by friends in 
other congregations of the city. The spiritual 
prosperity of a church depends so vitally upon the 
prompt and liberal spirit with which its pecuniary 
obligations are met by its members, that I cannot 
but regard that action of the society, in the re- 
moval of its debt, as a crisis and turning point in 
our history. It was God's practical test of the 
real measure and quality of our love for the 
Church, and for the Cause of Christ. The test 
was well and nobly borne; many of us under- 
stood the meaning of self-sacrifice as never be- 
fore ; and God mercifully granted us a new lease 
of life. 



54 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

This happy event was celebrated by a "Jubilee 
Social," held in the chapel, on which occasion we 
gave fit expression to the deeper feelings of our 
hearts in words that, for a long time, bent like a 
bright bow of promise over our platform, and 
stood as a reminder of God's gracious dealings 
toward us, viz. : — "The Lord hath done great 
things for us; whereof we are glad'' (Ps. 
126:3.) 

Those who have joined this enterprise in more 
recent years cannot possibly appreciate, to any 
great extent, the spirit that characterized this 
movement in its inception, and in all its earliest 
years* Nor can they appreciate the sacrifices that 
were made in those days, the labors endured, the 
zeal displayed, and the unbroken love and unity 
that prevailed to such a degree as to make this 
church almost proverbial for its harmony and de- 
votion. 

It was immediately after this debt had been 
removed that Rev. O. Parker, the evangelist, 
came from Buffalo, and assisted the pastor for 
about three weeks in holding a series of daily 
meetings. The results, though not great, were 
such as might be held to justify the special effort. 
It may be mentioned as the only instance during 
the first twenty-five years of its history in which 



The Life Story of Half a Century 55 

the church called in outside aid in any protracted 
effort to reach the unconverted. 

A little later, the same Spring (1875), through 
the earnest efforts and generous contributions of 
some of our good women, our church bell was 
procured at a cost of $500, and hung in a tem- 
porary wooden tower at the rear of the chapel, 
where it did duty for a dozen years, until honored 
with its more conspicuous place in our solid 
church tower. It rang out its first call to Sab- 
bath worship May 9, 1875, at which time the 
pastor preached a sermon on the c 'Origin, History 
and Uses of Church Bells." 

TRIBUTE TO THE WOMEN 

It comes in nicely, in this connection, to ac- 
knowledge our indebtedness to the women of this 
church. In all the hard work of this church and 
society, from the very first, our wives and daugh- 
ters and sisters have proved themselves most ef- 
ficient allies and helpers. Indeed, without their 
aid, it is difficult to see how our church could 
ever have been tided over the years of its severest 
struggles. 

A succinct account of their work, as furnished 
me by the late lamented Mrs. M. L. Barnes, will 
give some clear idea of the value of the services 



56 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

rendered to the church by the Ladies' Industrial 
Society. (See Appendix.) 

It is a most gratifying record, such as fairly to 
entitle our women to the sincere gratitude of this 
church, and of its pastor. Many of our women, 
during this series of years, have been actively 
connected with this society, and have had a hand 
in this good work, and, personally, I am thankful 
to them all for their always hearty cooperation 
and aid. 

Were it in place, I would venture modestly to 
refer in terms of most tender appreciation to one 
woman, — "model pastor's wife" that she was and 
was called throughout this city, — who, during the 
first twenty years of my Binghamton pastorate, 
as in all the previous years of my ministry, was 
to me as a perpetual tower of strength. I know 
that the people all loved her, nor did they fail to 
appreciate the services she rendered both to me 
and to the church by her incessant labors. But 
I question whether any of us ever can fully real- 
ize the depth of her unselfish love and devotion, 
or the extent and variety of her almost too un- 
sparing and self-forgetful efforts for the good of 
this people and of the community. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 57 

CHURCH BUILDING ENLARGED 

In the Fall and Winter of 1885-' 86, extensive 
improvements were made in our house of worship, 
under the supervision of James M. Stone, H. J. 
Gaylord and Dr. Geo. F. Hand, as building com- 
mittee. The church edifice was extended both 
front and rear, a substantial tower erected, an 
organ-recess built, and supplied with a pipe or- 
gan; a library room and pastor's room added; 
a deep gallery thrown across the end, and seated 
with opera chairs ; a new wood ceiling put in, the 
walls frescoed, the lecture room renovated, new 
stained glass windows and transoms placed 
throughout the whole building, the carpets, the 
cushions, the platform, the pulpit and its furni- 
ture all renewed, new chandelier and gas fixtures 
introduced, and other changes made, such as to 
wholly transform both the interior and the ex- 
terior appearance, and render our sanctuary more 
commodious, and, every way, more attractive. 
The cost of the entire improvement was about 
$8,500, all of which was met by subscription. 

During the seven or eight months occupied in 
the work of reconstruction, our Sabbath services 
were interrupted, and our Sunday School met in 
the hall of the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion on Court Street. 



58 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



RE-DEDICATION 

On Tuesday evening, March 23, 1886, the re- 
modeled house was re-dedicated with appropriate 
services, in which a number of the city pastors, 
of different denominations, took part. 

That event marks the beginning of an impor- 
tant change in our prospects, and in the rapidity 
of our growth. 

PASTOR'S RESIGNATION RECONSIDERED 
AND WITHDRAWN 

Immediately following upon the completion 
and dedication of that house, the pastor, having 
conceived the idea that, possibly, his mission to 
this church, after thirteen years of hard labor, 
was accomplished, presented his resignation, fully 
intending to lay down the pastoral office. But, 
a kind Providence and a loving people determined 
otherwise. By unanimous vote of the congrega- 
tion, accompanied by resolutions of confidence 
and warm expressions of esteem, pledging, also, 
renewed cooperation and support, together with 
many personal dissuasions, deprecating the pas- 
tor's action, he was led to reconsider, and at 
length, yielding to the judgment of the people, 
the resignation was withdrawn. 

The wisdom of that course I have never since, 



THE CHURCH REMODELED AND 
ENLARGED. 
Re-dedicated March 23, 1886. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 59 



for a moment, questioned. That God's hand was 
in it all I cannot doubt. It was but another of 
those trying crises in our history from which, to- 
day, we date a greatly increased prosperity. 

RENEWED ACTIVITY AND GROWTH 

The years immediately following the occupa- 
tion of our enlarged house of worship (in March, 
1886) were years of remarkable activity and of 
almost continuous revival. Without any outside 
human aid whatever, the progress of the church 
was greatly accelerated; the congregations were 
materially enlarged and soon taxed the capacity 
of the house ; the Sunday School rapidly increased 
in membership; young people were much in evi- 
dence in the congregation; the Young People's 
Society of Christian Endeavor, organized June 
28, 1887, became an efficient promoter of the 
church's spiritual welfare; the church prayer- 
meetings receiving the new impulse, were much 
increased both in attendance and interest ; conver- 
sions were frequent and the accessions to the 
church numerous. 

All departments of the church's activities were 
in a delightfully healthful and flourishing condi- 
tion. 

It was a period of refreshing spiritual life and 



60 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



movement, and of marked and manifest prosper- 
ity for the whole enterprise, the good effects of 
which are still apparent. 

It brought renewed strength, courage and hope 
to the heart of pastor and people, and served to 
unify and consolidate the forces of the church for 
further aggressive effort in all the years follow- 
ing. 

DELIGHTFUL ORIENTAL TOUR. AN 
IDEAL PARTY 

It should here be said that for the five months, 
from March to August, in the year 1890, the pas- 
tor was kindly granted a leave of absence, in or- 
der to make the tour of Egypt, the Holy Land, 
Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, and other countries, 
the people, meantime, continuing his salary and 
supplying the pulpit. During that period the 
pulpit was ably and acceptably filled by the late 
Rev. William A. Niles, D. D., . formerly of Hor- 
nellsville, N. Y. 

This was a memorable tour in company with 
a select party of men and women of congenial 
tastes gathered without special prearrangement 
from widely separated regions, but all inspired 
with a like serious purpose to gain as much val- 
uable information as possible. A party more 
harmoniously united or more agreeably associated 



The Life Story of Half a Century 61 

in intimate daily fellowship, it is quite safe to 
say, never traveled together. 

The company comprised, among others, Judge 
S. O. Thacher and wife, of Lawrence, Kansas — 
the Judge a genial, companionable soul, highly 
cultivated and extensively traveled; Rev. Dr. J. 
M. P. Otts, of Alabama, a Presbyterian divine 
of some note both in the Northern and the South- 
ern Church, was our tent-mate throughout our 
whole camping tour in Palestine. Rev. Oliver 
Crane, D. D., LL.D., formerly missionary in 
Turkey, was the oldest member of our party. 
With him was his son, Oliver T. Crane, a young 
lawyer who had been spending some time in the 
study of Arabic at Beirut. Then we found a 
choice friend in the Rev. Dr. Robert MacKenzie, 
at that time pastor of the First Presbyterian 
Church, San Francisco, now of New York City, 
who was accompanied by Mrs. MacKenzie. 

Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Stephen W. Dana, of Phil- 
adelphia, joined us at Jerusalem, and Rev. Mr. 
McQueen, of Scotland, became a member of our 
party at Cairo. 

To these must be added Rev. Mr. Atkinson, of 
Lincoln, Nebraska; Rev. Mr. Swindells, of Phil- 
adelphia, who used to lead the singing at our 
nightly devotions while in camp; Mrs. Boyd and 



62 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

daughters, of Philadelphia, and Miss Cunning- 
ham, of Baltimore. 

It is said that Mr. Spurgeon could never be in- 
duced to visit the Holy Land lest the country in 
its present lamentable condition might lose for 
him something of the charm with which he had 
been wont to invest it. 

Undoubtedly to one who witnesses the present 
ruins and desolations of that land and comes in 
contact with the abject poverty and degradation 
of its people under Turkish rule, many of its 
scenes will, in large measure, be stripped of their 
fascination. 

Nevertheless, despite this, one cannot but re- 
gard a personal visit to the places once trodden 
by the Savior's feet, and rendered forever sacred 
by association with the person and work, the 
miracles and ministry of the Son of God, as 
among the most precious privileges of a life- 
time. 

A MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE 

The only event seriously to mar the pleasure 
of the journey was a painful accident which 
threatened suddenly to terminate our travels, and 
in which we came near losing our life by being 
violently hurled from our stumbling Arabian 



The Life Story of Half a Century 63 



horse upon the jagged rocks in the mountains of 
Judea on our way down from Mar Saba to the 
Dead Sea and the Jordan. Rolla Floyd — the 
veteran dragoman — said to us at Jerusalem, — 
"It was a miracle that you were not killed." 

That night (April 11, 1890), encamped beside 
"Elisha's Fountain" near to Jericho, the Psalm 
read at our evening devotions was appropriately, 
at our suggestion, the one that had been running 
in our mind all through the day, — Psalm 103d, 
"Bless the Lord, O My Soul," etc., and the pre- 
vailing note of our entire company was one of 
devout thanksgiving to God for a marvelous de- 
liverance. 

But, notwithstanding this mishap and the nar- 
row escape experienced, the memory of that Ori- 
ental tour is treasured among the most delightful 
recollections of all the years of our ministry. 

WITH FOREIGN MISSIONARIES ON THEIR 
FIELDS AND IN THEIR HOMES 

It was a great privilege and inspiration to come 
into personal touch with a number of our devoted 
foreign missionaries upon their own fields of labor 
and in their own homes, as for example, the Jes- 
sups and others in Beirut, our own Miss La 
Grange at Tripoli, Syria, as also the self-denying 



64 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

laborers at Cairo, Damascus, Constantinople and 
elsewhere. One could not but be impressed that 
these faithful men and women on those distant 
mission fields are doing a work for the education, 
enlightenment and Christianization of the people 
of those far-off lands that is beyond all estimate 
in its vital influence upon the present and coming 
generations. 

Going from Egypt to Syria and Turkey one 
could not but contrast the old Mohammedan Uni- 
versity of Cairo, educating its thousands of stu- 
dents to propagate the Moslem faith, with Robert 
College at Constantinople and the Syrian Prot- 
estant College and the busy printing presses at 
Beirut in their positive and powerful influence 
upon the religious life of the world. 

The whole trip was full of inspiration and 
helpful suggestion; and upon our return home, a 
series of Sunday evening addresses and occasional 
morning discourses were delivered descriptive of 
the scenes visited, or upon special themes sug- 
gested by the long journey. 

THE FREE PEW PROBLEM 

For the first twenty years of our church life the 
custom prevailed of annually renting the pews 



The Life Story of Half a Century 65 



in the house of God. The question of a change 
in this respect had often been raised but not seri- 
ously considered, and no formal action thereon 
was taken until 1893. In the latter part of that 
year a resolution was brought before the Society 
distinctly favoring the adoption of the plan of 
free pews. 

The project at first met with considerable oppo- 
sition. In the interest of harmony and for the 
sake of a better understanding of the real points at 
issue, the pastor felt called upon, during the 
pending of the said resolution, to preach a sermon 
from James 2:2-4, upon Cf A Free Gospel and a 
Free Church; — A Calm View of the Question of 
Free Pews" We undertook to set fairly before 
the people the comparative advantages and disad- 
vantages of each plan, but on many grounds 
earnestly advocated the adoption of the free pew 
system. A few days later the plan was adopted 
with a good degree of unanimity, and at the be- 
ginning of 1894 was carried into effect with the 
most happy results. 

As a means of raising revenue it has proved far 
superior to the rental system. For various other 
reasons, also, the plan has given general satisfac- 
tion, and is to be commended above all others as 



66 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

more nearly in accord with the teachings and spirit 
of the New Testament and with the whole genius 
of Christianity. 

In May, 1893, a convenient and commodious 
parsonage was completed and occupied by the 
pastor and his family. 

IN MEMORIAM 

The year 1894 deserves a separate chapter by 
itself. In the domestic life of the pastor, and in 
the painful experience of his beloved people as 
well, that year must ever stand out prominently 
as one never to be forgotten. 

In April of that year the last golden link in 
the family chain was shattered when the faithful 
and beloved wife, following her four children, 
"fell on sleep." But we refrain from details. 
We only bow in silence. Her beautiful record 
is on high, and the sweet aroma of her blessed in- 
fluence abides in everlasting fragrance. The lit- 
tle booklet, "In Memoriam — Mrs. Samuel Dun- 
ham," prepared with aching heart and amid blind- 
ing tears, tells the fuller story, and is rich in ten- 
der tributes and in the treasures of overflowing 
sympathy and affection.* 

Among the most precious memories of life are 
the gentle and loving ministries of a tenderly de- 

* See also "Biographical Review" of Broome County, pp. 342-3. 



I 



The Life Story of Half a Century 67 



voted people, and the outgushing sympathy of a 
host of friends during those dark days and months 
of grief, mystery and shadow. 

CHURCH ANNIVERSARIES 

The anniversaries of the church have, as a rule, 
been annually observed with some fitting services, 
including an anniversary sermon each year by the 
pastor. 

Every five years especially these occasions have 
been marked by features of peculiar interest. 

The 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th anniver- 
saries were thus appropriately commemorated. 

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY 

The end of the first five year period furnished 
opportunity for a thankful survey of the years 
of severest struggle and sacrifice in laying the 
foundations of the new enterprise and in estab- 
lishing the church upon a firm basis. 

On this occasion, besides the special sermon in 
review of the period, the pastor sought to voice 
the sentiment of the people as well as the feeling 
of his own devoutly thankful heart in the strains 
of a hymn, which was sung by the congregation 
on Sunday morning, February 10th, 1878. The 
simple lines ran thus: 



Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



God of these five fast fleeting years ! 

To Thee we look to-day; 
Grateful we own Thy fost'ring care, 

Love's tribute dear we pay. 

Praises our thankful hearts inspire, 

Hosannas loose our tongues, 
Lips touched with heavenly light and fire 

Breathe joy in all our songs. 

To God, the Father of our life, 

To Christ, the Father's Son, 
To Holy Ghost, the God-Man's gift, 

The blessed three in one; 

For happy, sun-lit days we've spent, 

For toils and trials o'er, 
For all the countless blessings lent, 

Be praise forevermore. 

Pardon we crave for sinful lives, 

Pardon for faithless hearts, 
Pardon for wasted golden hours, 

And poorly acted parts. 

Head of the Church, most glorious ! 

Pour on us from above 
Thy Spirit's power victorious, 

To knit our souls in love; 

To conquer all our inbred pride, 

To cure our love of pelf, 
To draw us near the Crucified, 

To drive us far from self. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 69 

On this Thy Church, O Power divine ! 

Let blessings constant come; 
Thou Light of Life ! upon us shine, 

Till safe we reach our Home. 

TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY 
But when we had rounded out successfully and 
with steadily increasing strength a full score of 
years, it was felt that the event ought to be cele- 
brated with somewhat more elaborate ceremonies, 
and with services of unusual significance. 

In sending out printed notices of the proposed 
observance, inviting the people to participate in 
the celebration, the pastor appended the follow- 
ing note : 

"BlNGHAMTON, N. Y., 

"February 4, 1893. 

"My Dear People — 

"Your Pastor takes this occasion to send af- 
fectionate greeting to all the members of his flock. 
He, all the more, desires to see and greet you in 
the House of God each Sabbath and at the week- 
day meetings, for the reason that unavoidable 
circumstances have, of late, prevented his seeing 
you as often as he could wish in your own homes. 
He wishes to assure each member of the congre- 
gation and of the Sunday School of his personal 
interest and love, and of his constant prayers in 



70 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

your behalf. Sensible of many kindnesses re- 
ceived by himself and his family during all these 
years, and keenly sharing both your joys and sor- 
rows, he hardly needs to say that every home of 
the people has become endeared to him, and that 
he feels bound to each by the tenderest of ties. 

" 'Even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So 
being affectionately desirous of you, we were will- 
ing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of 
God only, but also our own souls, because ye were 
dear unto us/ (7 Thess. 2:7, 8.) 

"Sincerely yours, 

"Samuel Dunham." 

A memorable day in the history of the West 
Church was Sunday, February 12th, 1893. The 
skies kindly smiled upon our twentieth anniver- 
sary. Brighter Winter's day was seldom seen. 

Early the tribes began to assemble, and, at the 
appointed hour of worship, the church, — both 
floor and gallery — was filled to its utmost capac- 
ity. Plants and flowers in profusion lent their 
charms. Calla lilies and roses vied with each 
other in beautifying pulpit and platform, and 
their surroundings. The few surviving original 
members present looked eager with interest, and 
all seemed happy. The old Doxology rang out 



The Life Story of Half a Century 71 



with unusual volume of melodious sound. The 
congregation joined in singing, 

"Let saints below in concert sing 
With those to glory gone." 

The Scripture lesson read was l Thessalonians, 
2nd chapter, followed by the Gloria Patri. 
Psalms 125 and 126 of the Psalter were read re- 
sponsively, and prayer was offered by the pastor. 
The choir rendered an inspiring anthem while the 
offerings were being gathered, and then the whole 
assembly united in singing the following anni- 
versary hymn written for the occasion by the pas- 
tor : 

Eternal God! whose endless plan, 
Makes years seem days, our life a span; 
Oh Thou, beneath whose watchful care, 
Each child of Grace is Glory's heir ; 
With humble thanks assembled now, 
We pay our praise, record our vow. 

The past all crowned and gilded bright, 

The present filled with holy light, 

The future set with gems and gold, 

With promise rich, and grace untold, 

To Thee we lift our waiting eyes, 

For help ne'er brought save from the skies. 

Choice gifts the years gone by have lent, 
Let mercies still be richer sent, 



72 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

In measure full, in sweetness rare, 
The outpoured rain, the answered prayer, 
The gentle dew, the greater shower, 
To show Thy love, to tell Thy power. 

Thou, at beck of whose magic hand, 
The seas divide, and foes disband, 
The mountains bow, the valleys rise, 
The desert blooms, the wastes revive ; 
Come, visit Thou this garden Thine, 
The fruit increase, enrich the vine. 

With clustered wealth, with golden store, 
With ripeness rich, with graces more, 
With faith more full, with hope more sure, 
Diviner love, and lives more pure, 
With these, and more, our future crown, 
The blessing ours, the praise Thine own. 

Oh! build Thy Church in virtue strong, 
And fill Thy house with joy and song; 
Thrill Thou our souls with deep desire, 
Kindled each lamp, each heart on fire, 
Till lamps burn low, and lights grow dim, 
Lost in the Light, fashioned like Him. 

The historical discourse, delivered by the pas- 
tor, was prepared with painstaking care as to ac- 
curacy of dates, names, statistics, and all details. 

Following the hearty singing of "Blest Be the 
Tie That Binds," the Apostolic Benediction was 



The Life Story of Half a Century 73 

pronounced, and the services, which had been 
necessarily protracted to an unusual length, were 
concluded. 

Immediately succeeding the morning services, 
the Sunday School assembled in force, again fill- 
ing the house, and celebrated its twentieth anni- 
versary with appropriate exercises. The history 
and interesting reminiscences of the Sunday 
School were presented by Dr. George F. Hand, 
its first superintendent and always an active and 
earnest worker in the school, and one of its most 
competent and successful teachers. 

Others also spoke in similar reminiscent strain. 
See Appendix. 

Any record of the important series of observ- 
ances marking the close of our twenty years of 
church life would be incomplete without the fur- 
ther mention of the pleasant events connected 
with the enthusiastic and happy social gathering 
held on New Year's Eve in commemoration of 
the advent of the pastor and his family in the 
city. 

NEW YEAR'S SOCIAL RE-UNION AFTER 
TWO DECADES 

Saturday evening (Dec. 31, 1892) marked pre- 
cisely twenty years since the pastor, with his fam- 



74 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

ily, arrived in this city to undertake the organi- 
zation of the West Presbyterian Church. The 
event was celebrated by an informal gathering of 
his people at the home of Mr. and Mrs. M. L. 
Barnes, No. 124 Oak Street. It was the same 
house in which the pastor and his family were 
first warmly welcomed on their arrival from Con- 
necticut. 

The whole affair was arranged as a surprise, 
and was admirably carried out. The tastefully 
decorated rooms were thronged with old and 
young, including a number of the founders of the 
church. Many of a younger generation who had 
since come upon the stage, and had been added to 
the church, were also present. 

The more formal exercises began with the sing- 
ing of "Blest Be the Tie," followed with prayer 
by the pastor. 

Then James W. Manier, president of the Sus- 
quehanna Valley Bank, who had been identified 
with the church from its beginning, stepped for- 
ward, and, in a unique and highly appropriate 
and appreciative address, presented to Mr. and 
Mrs. Dunham, in behalf of the people, a beautiful 
Royal Worcester vase filled with choice cut flow- 
ers, and an elegant set of Haviland china of one 
hundred and forty pieces. A complete set of 



The Life Story of Half a Century 75 

Irving' s works was also presented to their son 
Luther. The latter thanked the company in a 
few words, and Mr. Dunham gave fuller ex- 
pression to the gratitude of the whole fam- 
ily. He touched upon the happy relations ex- 
isting between pastor and people during a full 
score of years. 

THE SILVER JUBILEE 

Five years later, when the time had arrived for 
the celebration of the first quarter century of the 
church's existence, the event attracted widespread 
interest and attention. This was in February, 
1898. The City Ministerial Association adopted 
complimentary resolutions such as might well 
make any man feel that he had not lived alto- 
gether in vain. The following is a copy: 

"It having come to the knowledge of this As- 
sociation, that the West Presbyterian Church is 
now celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of 
its organization, and also of the pastorate of the 
Rev. Samuel Dunham, who has been for the same 
period of time the faithful secretary of this asso- 
ciation : — 

"We desire to extend to the West Presbyterian 
Church and its beloved pastor our most hearty 



76 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

congratulations upon this, the longest Protestant 
pastorate in the history of Binghamton. We de- 
sire to express our devout thanksgiving to Al- 
mighty God for the providence which has pre- 
sided over this long and exemplary relationship 
of pastor and people. We bear witness to the 
beneficent and fruitful influence of this pastorate 
upon the life of the community. And we unite 
our prayers with those of our brethren in the West 
Presbyterian Church, that this union, cemented 
by most precious experiences and sacred memories, 
may still further be blessed unto the upbuilding 
of the Kingdom of Christ. 
"By order of the association, 

"Willard B. Thorp, 
"John H. Race, 
"John McVey, 

"Committee." 

At the public services held in the church 
Thursday evening, February 10th, in commemo- 
ration of the 25th anniversary, the above minute 
was read and many gratifying tributes were paid 
by representative ministers of the various denom- 
inations. 

The following brief account is extracted from 
one of the local papers of Feb. 11th, 1898: 



The Life Story of Half a Century 77 

"The congregation of the West Presbyterian 
Church, ably assisted by scores of friends and well 
wishers, celebrated in the auditorium of the 
church last evening the twenty-fifth birthday of 
the church. The various Protestant denomina- 
tions in the city were represented by pastors, a 
number of whom made congratulatory addresses; 
there were pleasing musical numbers; while so- 
ciability and refreshments formed the less serious 
part of the evening. 

"A bank of palms, flanked on either side by tall 
Norfolk Island pines, showed green in front of 
the pulpit, and formed the only decorations. The 
auditorium was crowded. 

"The programme opened with the singing of 
the Doxology by the choir and congregation, and 
this was followed by an invocation by the Rev. 
A. D. Stowell. After the singing of 'Come Thou 
Fount of Every Blessing,' by choir and congre- 
gation, the Rev. Samuel Dunham, pastor of the 
church, gave a few words of greeting. The choir 
sang an anthem, and the Rev. John H. Race, of the 
Centenary M. E. Church, read the resolutions 
adopted by the City Ministerial Association. 

"Mr. Dunham responded with a few feeling 
words, after which the Rev. Dr. John McVey, of 
the North Presbyterian Church, who has been 



78 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

closely associated with Mr. Dunham for years, 
was introduced. He congratulated the church 
upon having been so useful during the twenty- 
five years of its existence, considering competi- 
tion and location, and the pastor upon having 
been so successful in keeping the congregation to- 
gether, for, as he said, congregations are usually 
made up of many men of many minds. He be- 
lieved a large part of the credit for the work that 
had been done was due to one who was watch- 
ing it from above, referring to the late Mrs. Dun- 
ham. He congratulated the church also on its 
new move in building an edifice on Main Street. 

"Miss Jennie Westcott sang a solo, and the 
Rev. Thomas Clayton, of Plymouth Congrega- 
tional Church, spoke briefly. He was 'glad that 
the pastor and people had been together twenty- 
five years without a row. 5 He referred to the 
beneficent influences radiating from the West 
Church, and hoped that the organization would 
be blessed in the future as in the past. 

"The next speaker was the Rev. Dr. E. B. 
Olmstead, of the Tabernacle M. E. Church, who 
spoke of the cordial relations which had always 
existed between his church and the West church. 
He made reference to Mr. Dunham's long pas- 
torate and expressed the hope that the present 



The Life Story of Half a Century 79 

system of rotation employed in the Methodist 
Church would soon be done away with. Dr. 
Olmstead felicitated the church on the move which 
would soon bring them 'within the sound of Meth- 
odist amens.' 

"The Rev. Frank H. Cooper, of the Main 
Street Baptist Church, was called upon, and com- 
plimented the church on its record for the past 
and he hoped that it would long 'be a power for 
righteousness.' He believed that a church ought 
to represent positive Christianity. 

"Benjamin A. Baumann, Charles S. Miller 
and W. A. Miller, members of the church quar- 
tet, sang a selection, accompanied on mandolins 
by the Brunner brothers. 

"Dr. George F. Hand, one of the prime movers 
in the organization of the Sunday school, who was 
next introduced, believed that the older members 
had cause for pride in looking back upon the small 
beginnings and comparing them with the present 
great gathering. He congratulated the younger 
members who were to be the movers in the new 
work of erecting a new church, for he believed 
that they would look back in after years with 
pleasure at their work. 

"C. E. Terrell, assistant superintendent of the 
Sunday school, spoke, representing Superintendent 



80 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



H. J. Gaylord, who though present was somewhat 
indisposed. He thought that the same spirit 
which a quarter of a century ago had prompted 
the organization of the church is the same spirit 
which is to-day prompting the building of a new 
church home. He referred to the work and in- 
fluence of Mrs. Dunham. 

"The Rev. Dr. Edward Taylor spoke next. 
For five years previous to the organization of the 
West Presbyterian Church, he stated, he had been 
the only Protestant minister west of the Chenango 
River. Then Mr. Dunham came. The past/ 
he said, epigrammatically, 'ought not to be a 
hitching post but a guide post.' The church had 
been in the past sustained by faith. It ought not 
to fear for the future. 

c Tn a brief address, the Rev. Dr. L. C. Floyd, 
presiding elder of the Binghamton district of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, spoke in compli- 
mentary terms of Mr. Dunham, who, he said, 
had always been ready to extend to him a helping 
hand. 

"The Rev. J. H. Anderson, of Zion A. M. E. 
Church, was announced. 'You have listened,' he 
said, c to the Methodist artillery, the Baptist navy, 
the Congregational regulars, and now I suppose 
you wish a few words from the dark horse cav- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 81 



airy. 5 He spoke of the aid which the West church 
had always given his people. 

"Rev. D. N. Grummon spoke and C. B. Starr 
rendered a vocal solo, accompanied by Miss Kate 
Hotchkin. 

'The Rev. Frederick Perkins, of the Broad 
Avenue Presbyterian Church, the last pastor called 
upon, spoke very briefly. After a song by Mrs. 
L. H. Quackenbush, the Rev. John MacLachlan, 
of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, offered prayer. 
Mrs. Charles A. Ball was accompanist during the 
musical numbers. Besides the clergymen who 
spoke, the Rev. William T. Doubleday, a retired 
Presbyterian minister, and the Rev. A. D. Decker, 
of the Clinton Street M. E. Church, were in the 
house. 

"During the evening Mr. Dunham announced 
the receipt of congratulatory letters from the Rev. 
Dr. G. Parsons Nichols, the Rev. Dr. Charles P. 
Coit, of the Memorial Presbyterian Church in 
Rochester, and the 'Rev. Dr. Herman C. Riggs, 
of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church, Rochester. 
The Baptist clergymen of the city were not all 
able to be present on account of another affair at 
which the presence of most of them was required." 

The following April fitting services were again 
held in observance more particularly of the 



82 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



twenty-fifth anniversary of the pastor's formal 
installation on April 24th, 1873. Invitations 
were issued in the following form and sent out to 
many friends of the church and of the pastor: — 

April 24, i8j3. April 24, 1898. 

The West Presbyterian Churchy 
of Binghamton, N. Y ., 
Cordially invites you to be present at the 
celebration of the 
Twenty -fifth Anniversary 
of the installation of its first Pastor, 

Rev. Samuel Dunham, 
on Sunday, April 24th, i8g8, 
at 10:30 A. M. and 5:30 P. M. 
Also to a Reception, 
to be tendered the Pastor, at the Parsonage, 
Cor. North and Chapin Streets, 
Tuesday Evening, April 26th, 
from 8:00 to 11:00 o'clock. 

At the Sunday morning services the Rev. Edwin 
F. Hallenbeck, of Albany, offered prayer, and the 
pastor preached the anniversary sermon, taking 
his text from 1st Timothy 1:12, C T thank Christ 
Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that 
he counted me faithful, putting me into the min- 
istry." 



The Life Story of Half a Century 83 



In concluding his discourse, he reviewed the 
work, already begun, of erecting the new church 
at the corner of Main and Walnut Streets, and 
predicted a bright and useful future. 

Before the sermon the following minute, 
adopted by Binghamton Presbytery at Cortland 
the preceding Tuesday, was read : — 

"On the next Lord's day there will be observed 
the twenty-fifth anniversary of the instalment of 
the Rev. Samuel Dunham over the West Presby- 
terian Church of Binghamton. The church has 
had no other pastor, and the pastorate is con- 
terminous with the existence of the church. 

"From a small beginning the church has grown 
to have a membership of over 600. A fruitful 
twenty-five years of soul saving and spiritual de- 
velopment has been passed and enjoyed. The 
present house of worship having become too small 
for the increasing congregation, a new one is about 
to be built in a better location. 

"The presbytery, therefore, most heartily con- 
gratulates the pastor and the church upon the 
notable success which has been reached during the 
quarter of a century, and most earnestly prays that 
the blessing of God, as in the past, may rest upon 
both in the future." 



84 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

More than one hundred congratulatory letters 
were received by the pastor from old friends, men 
in the ministry and other professions, and from 
many men of prominence who w T ere pleased to 
manifest friendly interest in the occasion. 

Extracts from a number of these were read at 
the afternoon service. 

An appreciative editorial article appeared in 
the New Tork Evangelist of May 12, 1898, giv- 
ing a clear and concise description of the anni- 
versary observances, under the caption — "A 
Quarter of a Century Grandly Celebrated." 

The article is here appended : — 

A QUARTER OF A CENTURY GRANDLY 
CELEBRATED 

"The closing week of April, just passed, will 
long be remembered in the beautiful city of Bing- 
hamton, and especially, by the congregation of 
the West Presbyterian Church and its pastor — 
the Rev. Samuel Dunham — whose happy rela- 
tions as pastor and people then completed a quar- 
ter of a century. It was on the afternoon of the 
24th of April, 1873, that Mr. Dunham, then in 
the flush of early manhood, was installed over 
this church, its first and only pastor. Bringing 
credentials from the Brookfield Association of 



The Life Story of Half a Century 85 



Massachusetts, and from the Congregational 
Church in Norwalk, Connecticut, which he had 
been serving, he was received by Presbytery and 
at once installed — the sermon by the Rev. W. E. 
Knox, D. D., of Elmira, and the other parts of 
service by the Rev. Drs. Gulliver and Taylor, the 
Revs. Peter Lockwood, D. D. Gregory, C. P. Coit 
and Samuel T. Clarke of Owego. 

"A great congregation assembled in the elab- 
orately prepared auditorium on this anniversary 
Sabbath morning, now twenty-five years later, 
to listen to the pastor's review. Taking 1 Tim- 
othy i. 12 as his text, his discourse was essen- 
tially a pean of thanksgiving, and all his audi- 
tors were in hearty sympathy with its joyful, 
courageous note. He was grateful for having 
been put into the ministry in this day and age; 
for the preciousness of the message entrusted to 
him; that his lot had been cast among such a 
loving and loyal people; and for the results, visi- 
ble and invisible, achieved by God's blessing. He 
said relative to this last: Starting with sixty-five 
members, the additions for the entire period have 
been 619 on profession of faith, and 494 by let- 
ter, a total of 1,113. The net gain is 690. The 
average number of yearly additions for the full 
term of twenty-five years is about forty-five. Had 



86 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

we sustained no losses during the quarter century, 
our present roll of members would be 1,178. 

"This church has given liberally to our Boards 
and to general benevolence. After glancing at 
this phase of its history, the pastor touches upon 
what he rightly terms c a number of noteworthy 
achievements' : 'The first was the lifting of a 
crushing debt of $16,000 in 1875 by a most heroic 
and self sacrificing struggle. The next notable 
advance was ten years later, when this edifice un- 
derwent a complete transformation at a cost of 
some $8,500. Seven years later the pleasant and 
roomy parsonage, adjoining the church, was com- 
pleted and occupied by the pastor and his family. 
The next grand forward movement is that with 
which they are just now grappling — the problem 
of an entirely new church edifice upon a new and 
more eligible site, at the corner of Main and Wal- 
nut Streets/ 

"This new church, plans for which are now 
completed, it is well to add here, is to be erected 
as a memorial to the late Mrs. Dunham, who, 
for twenty-one years of the period here commem- 
orated, and thirty years of her husband's minis- 
try, was his most' devoted and efficient helper. 
She was greatly admired and beloved by that 
whole community, and the purpose to perpetuate 



The Life Story of Half a Century 87 

her memory in the form above indicated, will be 
heartily approved by all who knew her, as an en- 
during and fitting tribute to genuine worth. 

"The afternoon service was of the nature of a 
fine 'dress parade' of the Sunday school depart- 
ment of the West Church, Dr. George F. Hand 
reading an historical paper, followed by one on 
the Ladies' Industrial Society, by Mrs. M. L. 
Barnes; Woman's Missionary Society, by Miss 
Jane Howard; Kings Daughters, by Mrs. Wil- 
liam E. Barnes; Christian Endeavor Societies, by 
B. A. Baumann. Miss Lucia Munson rendered 
a pleasing vocal solo, and a brief congratulatory 
address was given by Dr. R. A. Paterson. About 
one hundred congratulatory letters were received 
by Mr. Dunham, and parts of a few of them were 
read. The writers were Dr. Robert MacKenzie 
of San Francisco, Dr. James Gardner of Glovers- 
ville, President Raymond of Union College, Pres- 
ident Stryker of Hamilton College, Dr. T. L. 
Cuyler of Brooklyn, Dr. W. A. Bartlett of New 
York Mills, Professor W. J. Beecher of Auburn 
, Seminary, Professor J. L. Daniels of Olivet Col- 
lege, Michigan, Dr. H. H. Stebbins of Rochester, 
Dr. S. W. Dana of Philadelphia, Dr. A. J. Upson 
of Glens Falls and others. 

"The West Presbyterian Sunday school was 



88 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

organized January 19th, 1873, with forty-seven 
members. The present membership, including 
the Home Class, is 539. During the twenty-five 
years the school has had only four Superintend- 
ents, Dr. George F. Hand, ten years; David Mur- 
ray, Esq., two years; Thomas M. Greacen, three 
years ; H. J. Gaylord is now in his eleventh year 
of service. 

"The Primary Department starting with ten 
members has now a roll of eighty. Its first Su- 
perintendent was Miss Harriet La Grange, now 
of Tripoli, Syria. Then came Miss Annie Wil- 
liams, for five years; Miss Carrie Stone (now Mrs. 
C. C. Jackson), three years; Mrs. David Murray, 
one year; Miss Nellie A. Barnes (now wife of 
Rev. George A. Brock of . Saxon ville, Massachu- 
setts), four years; Mrs. J. M. Seabury, the last 
eleven years. 

"The total offerings of the school, amounting 
to $83.74 the fi rs t year, now show an aggregate of 
$6,166.43, of which sum $2,138.61 has been con- 
tributed to missions. 

"The Home Department, organized in 1890, 
has been in charge successively of M. L. Barnes, 
Miss Clarissa Smith, W. O. Birdsall and Mrs. 
Mary BuelL 



The Life Story of Half a Century 89 

"On Tuesday evening an anniversary reception 
was held at the parsonage, and there was a very 
large gathering of members and friends of the 
West Church. Former members, citizens, and 
ministerial brethren of the city, very generally 
took this occasion to express their cordial feelings. 
The visitors were received by Mr. Dunham, as- 
sisted by Elder J. M. Stone, Mrs. M. L. Barnes, 
one of the original members of the church, Super- 
intendent H. J. Gaylord of the Sunday school, 
Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Jackson, Elder and Mrs. W. 
L. Bundy, Elder and Mrs. George F. Hand. 
Among those present from other places was Dr. 
J. Wilford Jacks, Superintendent of Synodical 
Missions, but whose pastorate was of similar 
length of the one here celebrated. We print a 
fine likeness of Pastor Dunham, on our first page, 
as altogether fitting at this happy juncture." 

THE PROJECT OF A NEW CHURCH EDIFICE 

The project of an entirely new church build- 
ing to be located upon a new and far more eligi- 
ble site at the corner of Main and Walnut Streets 
— known as the Judge Edwards place — began to 
take definite shape in the Autumn of 1897. For 
a long while our quarters had been felt to be too 



90 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

cramped, and our facilities altogether inadequate 
to our needs, acting as a manifest hindrance to 
our most rapid growth. 

Three years earlier, at a time when there was a 
generally expressed desire for some improvement, 
with ampler accommodations, the pastor laid be- 
fore a few of his people a proposition looking to 
the enlargement of our sanctuary, or, the erection 
of a chapel as a sacred memorial to the pastor's 
wife. 

But, beyond cordial expressions and the ap- 
pointment of a committee to consider and report 
on the matter, the plan took no practical, tangible 
form. 

Early in the Summer of 1897, in view of the 
continued and increasing desire and demand for 
enlarged facilities, the pastor was moved to re- 
new his offer, or, rather, to present a new and 
more definite proposition, first to the Board of 
Trustees, and later to the congregation. 

This proposition met with immediate and en- 
thusiastic response. 

The trustees secured an architect, a careful study 
was made of the situation, plans were elaborated 
for the extensive enlargement of the Chapin Street 
house of worship, and estimates were made of the 
cost. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 91 

But, when all of that was done, several very 
stubborn facts were encountered. First, the 
plans, though probably the best that could, in the 
circumstances, be devised, were found to be very 
unsatisfactory both to those who examined them, 
and to the architect himself. Secondly, it was 
ascertained that the estimated cost of the proposed 
improvements approximated the probable expense 
of building a new edifice. 

And, thirdly, it was very soon discovered that 
it would be absolutely impossible to raise any con- 
siderable sum of money to be expended upon the 
old house of worship, the feeling being very gen- 
eral that it would be an unwise and unsatisfac- 
tory expenditure. 

There was a fourth consideration, also, that 
had no little weight, viz: — the fact that, from the 
beginning of this church enterprise in 1873, ^ e 
location of our church, while in some respects 
beautiful and desirable, had been generally re- 
garded as unfavorable to our most rapid and sub- 
stantial growth and prosperity. 

All these facts combined, naturally carried al- 
most irresistible force when the question quite un- 
expectedly arose of a change of location. 

Practically, with very few exceptions, there was 
but one sentiment, and that in favor of the new 



92 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

and more convenient and commanding site. The 
pastor's only regret was that the project could not 
have the cordial and absolutely unanimous ap- 
proval and support of our entire church and con- 
gregation, especially inasmuch as, already, by a 
perfectly unanimous vote, without a single dis- 
senting voice, the Society had expressed its desire 
and purpose to erect some suitable memorial in 
loving memory of her who, for twenty years of 
his pastorate, was his most efficient helper. 

Upon the main question there was no diverg- 
ence of -opinion whatever, but merety upon the 
wisdom or expediency of abandoning the original 
location in the carrying out of a purpose upon 
which all were perfectly agreed. Pending the 
settlement of this most grave and important mat- 
ter, the pastor made a number of public utter- 
ances, canvassing the question thoroughly on all 
sides, and summoning his utmost candor and sin- 
cerity of conviction, as well as maturity of judg- 
ment, among which was the following: — 

"I recognize the fact, as I have from the first, 
that it is no small or trifling undertaking, and 
can readily see how, to some few conservative 
minds, it should seem even extra hazardous. 

"But, the estimated and guaranteed cost is such 
as to make the enterprise entirely feasible to a 



The Life Story of Half a Century 93 



thoroughly united, courageous, and generous- 
hearted people. My sober conviction is that this 
proposed movement, — by far the most important 
our church has ever undertaken, — deserves and 
ought to receive the loyal and undivided support 
of every member of this church and congrega- 
tion. 

"It is not a question of mere personal prefer- 
ence. It rises immeasurably above that. There 
are no personal ends to be gained. It is a ques- 
tion of this church's highest welfare. The simple 
question is whether now at the close of a quarter 
of a century of growth and prosperity, we are 
ready to recede, or whether the opening of the 
second twenty-five years of our history shall be 
signalized by wise and far-seeing measures for 
definite advance. The enterprise ought to have 
the encouragement of every voice, and the aid of 
every strong hand, and the help of every man's 
purse, be it little or much. 

"I believe, my friends, this is God's cause, that 
God is in it, and has been from the beginning. 

"The whole movement was started in prayer; 
not a step has been taken without it, and the guid- 
ance of the Spirit has been earnestly and humbly 
sought in every move that has been made. May 
God continue to foster it, and bless it, and care 



94 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

for it, and raise up a multitude of friends for us, 
and carry the whole work on to a glorious and 
happy completion, as we feel assured He will. 

"If God prospers this undertaking and permits 
us to see the consummation of our hopes, my can- 
did prediction is that the second quarter century 
of this church's history will far exceed the first 
in all best and sweetest fruits, in all richest and 
ripest, most precious and permanent results for 
Christ and for this community, for the Church at 
large, for the world and for humanity. 

"So may God grant that it may be !" 

Suffice it to say that when the final action was 
taken, on Oct. 13, 1897, the sentiment of the peo- 
ple was found to be so nearly unanimous in favor 
of the project that it was deemed best to go for- 
ward, and thus it was resolved to do, 

SUBSCRIPTIONS STARTED 

A conditional subscription was drawn up in the 
following form : — 

We, the Undersigned, hereby agree to pay the sums 
set opposite our names for the purpose of erecting a New 
Church Edifice, for the Society of the West Presby- 
terian Church of Binghamton, upon the lot known as the 
Judge Edwards site, situated at the corner of Main and 
Walnut Streets, in this City, 



s 



The Life Story of Half a Century 95 

As a Sacred Memorial to the late 
Mrs. Samuel Dunham, 

wife of the Pastor, and in commemoration of the Twenty- 
fifth year of Mr. Dunham s pastorate. 

PROVIDED, that not less than $15,000 shall be sub- 
scribed for said purpose before the work is begun. 
Subscriptions to be paid within a period of one year from 
the time the full amount is subscribed, in four quarterly 
installments, or, if in any case preferred, in four equal 
semi-annual payments. 

No subscriber shall be under any obligation to pay 
until the whole sum of $15,000 shall have been pledged. 

On October 17, 1897, following a sermon by 
the pastor, the first subscriptions were taken re- 
sulting in pledges to the amount of $7,000 that 
day. By December 1st the whole sum of $15,000 
had been pledged, and the prosecution of the work 
thereby assured. 

Meantime the pastor had been busy canvassing 
the important question of the best plans for a 
model church building. In his search he person- 
ally visited various cities, east and west, exam- 
ined many churches, and finally discovered the 
ideal church architecture in the Elm Park Church, 
Scranton, Pa., George W. Cramer & Co., Madi- 
son Avenue, New York City, architects. It is 
known as the Akron, Ohio, style, and was orig- 



I 



96 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

inated by the Cramers. The proportions are such 
as to assure perfect acoustic properties. 

Plans and estimates of various architects from 
widely separated sections of the country were pre- 
sented, and, after careful examination and com- 
parison, that of S. O. Lacey, of Binghamton, was 
finally accepted. 

On Monday, June 6, 1898, the building con- 
tracts were signed, and on Tuesday, June 7th, 
ground was broken. The first foundation stones 
were laid on July 1st. 

CORNER-STONE LAID 

The corner-stone was laid with impressive cere- 
monies in the presence of hundreds of spectators 
on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 13, 1898. 

The majority of the city clergy occupied re- 
served seats upon the temporary platform, the 
floor was filled with friends, and the streets in the 
vicinity of the church were crowded with people. 

The West Church choir led in the musical part 
of the programme, and "Jerusalem the Golden" 
was sung by the male quartet, composed of C. S. 
Miller, B. A. Baumann, Frank Snyder and J. M. 
# Seabury. 

Following brief remarks by the pastor, ad- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 97 



dresses were made by Rev. Dr. John McVey, of 
the North Presbyterian Church, Rev. F. H. 
Cooper, of the Main Street Baptist Church, Rev. 
Willard R. Thorp, of the First Congregational 
Church, Rev. Dr. E. B. Olmstead, of the Taber- 
nacle M. E. Church, and Rev. Dr. Edward Tay- 
lor. 

Rev. D. N. Grummon, of the Ross Memorial 
Church, and Rev. John MacLachlan, of the Im- 
manuel Church, also had part in the services. 

The corner-stone was formally laid by the pas- 
tor, in the following words, accompanying the 
pronunciation of the names of the Trinity with 
three strokes of the hammer: — 

"Recognizing the extreme solemnity and im- 
portance of this act, I lay this corner-stone in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost, and may the blessing of Almighty 
God rest upon the edifice that shall be here 
erected, and may this Church be a blessing to the 
cause of Christ in the community and in the 
world." 

A highly polished brass box, the gift of the late 
W. L. Bundy, a trustee and elder in the church, 
was deposited in the corner-stone, containing the 
following list of articles: — 



98 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



CONTENTS OF THE BOX 

(1) A copy of the Holy Bible. 

(2) A copy of "The Constitution of the Presby- 
terian Church in the United States of America, 
containing the Confession of Faith, the Cate- 
chism, the Directory for the Worship of God, 
the Plan of Government, and the Discipline of the 
Church." 

(3) Copy of the official programme for the 
"Celebration of the Quarter-Millennial Anniver- 
sary of the Adoption of the Confession of Faith 
and Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly Di- 
vines" in 1648, as observed by the last General 
Assembly at Winona Lake, Indiana. 

(4) The roll of the one hundred and tenth 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, 
May, 1898. 

(5) Copy of "The New Laudes Domini" — 
the hymn book in present use by the Church. 

(6) Copy of the earliest manual of the West 
Church, issued in 1876, containing the Articles of 
Faith and Covenant, a historical sketch of the 
church, a catalogue of the then members, and a 
list of the sixty-five original members of the 
church. 

(7) Copy of the latest Year Book and Church 



The Life Story of Half a Century 99 



Directory, with cuts both of the old church and 
of the pastor, a complete catalogue, and the names 
of the officers of all the organizations of the 
church. 

(8) Copy of "In Memoriam" — a booklet in 
memory of the late Mrs. Sarah M. Dunham, wife 
of the pastor, and containing a portrait of Mrs. 
Dunham. 

(9) Copies of all the local newspapers contain- 
ing accounts of the 25th anniversary of the or- 
ganization of the church as observed February, 
1898, and of the 25th anniversary of the settle- 
ment of the pastor as observed last April, — the 
latter papers, bearing date April 25, 1898, con- 
taining, also, in glaring head-lines the first pub- 
lic announcement of our Declaration of War 
with Spain. 

(10) The New Tork Evangelist of May 12, 
'98, with an account of the quarter century cele- 
bration, and a half-tone likeness of the pastor. 

(11) Copy of the Evening Herald of March 
17, '98, containing a cut of the new church as 
drawn from the architect's designs. 

(12) Names of the architect, contractors and 
builders of the new edifice. 

(13) Copies of the current issues of the vari- 
ous local newspapers. 



100 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

(14) Names of the present officers of the 
church, the Society, and the Sunday school. 

(15) Names of the seventy- three members of 
the Young People's Society of Christian En- 
deavor, and of the forty-six members of the 
Junior Endeavor Society, with a copy of the 
Model Constitution of the Endeavor Society. 

(16) Copies of the latest weekly "Reminders" 
(printed notices) of the church; copies of the 
Westminster Teacher for September, 1898, the 
current number of the Westminster Sunday-school 
Quarterly; programme for "Rallying Day," Sept. 
25, 1898, with the plan of the Twentieth Century 
Movement; programme of the last semi-annual 
meeting of the Broome County Sunday School 
Association; the Year-Book of the Binghamton 
Young Women's Christian Association; souvenir 
of the thirty-third anniversary of the City Young 
Men's Christian Association, and other printed 
matter of the Association; the Binghamton City 
Directory; the 1898 "Souvenir of Binghamton," 
issued by the Binghamton Railroad Company; 
names of the members of the Binghamton Minis- 
terial Association ; a catalogue of Elmira College, 
with views of buildings and grounds, and various 
miscellaneous documents, cards and circulars used 
by the pastor in his church work. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 101 



(17) Finally, a careful copy of the most im- 
portant records of the Trustees and Society re- 
lating to the erection of the new church as a sa- 
cred memorial to the late Mrs. Dunham, includ- 
ing the pastor's formal proposition to the Board 
of Trustees, the favorable action of the Trustees 
thereon, the subsequent unanimous vote of the 
Society to erect some suitable memorial, and the 
action of the Society adopting the recommenda- 
tions of the Board of Trustees that steps be taken 
for the erection of a new church edifice at the cor- 
ner of Main and Walnut Streets. 

The work of construction went steadily for- 
ward during the Fall and Winter, and on the 
morning of April 26, 1899, the flambeau, or torch 
finial, was lifted to its place at the summit of the 
spire, to stand as a sacred emblem of the church's 
mission in spreading far and wide a cheering sav- 
ing light. 

Early in the following October the work had 
so far progressed, and the interior furnishings and 
finishings had so nearly reached completion that 
plans were matured for an early removal from 
the old to the new house of worship. 



102 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



A GRACEFUL TRIBUTE FROM THE CITY 
MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION 

More than in all honors, successes and earthly 
delights I rejoice now, in the retrospect, in the 
good opinion, confidence and esteem of my breth- 
ren in the ministry, of all denominations, as ex- 
pressed by their repeated official action, and in 
many personal tributes, as well as in the follow- 
ing resolutions adopted Oct. 2, 1899, by the Min- 
isterial Association of Binghamton: — 

"The dedication, two weeks hence, of a new 
and beautiful temple, built by the West Presby- 
terian Church of this city, under the inspiring 
leadership of its pastor, Rev. Samuel Dunham, is 
an event which seems, for several reasons, to war- 
rant fraternal notice on the part of this associa- 
tion of ministers. The beautiful church, stand- 
ing on one of our principal thoroughfares, is an 
ornament to our city, and it cannot fail to add to 
the strength of our common Christianity. To un- 
dertake -such an enterprise required no ordinary 
faith, to carry it through no ordinary devotion; 
and while we accord great credit and heartiest 
congratulations to the members of Brother Dun- 
ham's congregation, we still feel that the largest 
meed of praise is due to their pastor and leader. 

"Brother Samuel Dunham has been the es- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 103 



teemed pastor of this church for more than a quar- 
ter of a century, and the church - has steadily 
grown, under his self-sacrificing labors, from a 
society that was small and weak to its present con- 
dition of influence and strength. By his purity 
of life, his pastoral devotion, his ministerial effi- 
ciency, his brotherliness of spirit and his large- 
minded Christian charity, Brother Dunham has 
not only endeared himself to his own people, but 
has won the love of our citizens generally. 

"As the executive officer of this association he 
has always discharged his duties in the most ad- 
mirable manner, and we do not see how any min- 
ister could more fully possess the confidence and 
esteem of his ministerial brethren. 

"Because tributes of this kind are usually paid 
to a minister only when he dies, or is removing to 
a new field, we deem it opportune to put on record 
an expression of the pleasure we have in antici- 
pating that Brother Dunham's labors are likely, 
in the Providence of God, to be long continued 
in this city which has learned to love him, and 
are hereafter to be put forth amid the advantages 
accruing from a larger church and better location. 

"Thinking of this new church as a memorial 
to his sainted wife, we acknowledge with tender 
hearts the fitness of such a tribute, and while we 



104 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

again extend our sympathies to Brother Dunham 
in the repeated bereavements which have befallen 
him, we, at the same time, thank our Heavenly 
Father for the grace which has enabled him to 
serve at the same time that he has suffered, and 
for the new proof afforded in this beautiful me- 
morial church that affliction may be so sanctified 
as to become an inspiration to those who meekly 
bear it, and a blessing to others through their de- 
votion. 

"Brother Dunham's invitation to us to show a 
friendly interest in the dedication of this new 
church is cheerfully accepted. We rejoice that 
his people have so freely laid their gifts upon 
God's altar, and we share with him the earnest 
hope that their liberality and sacrifice will abound 
yet more and more until nothing shall be lacking. 

"We also bespeak in behalf of this enterprise 
the grateful appreciation of all the Christian peo- 
ple in our city, and our prayer is that in all their 
future work God may bless and prosper the West 
Presbyterian Church, and its heroic pastor, accord- 
ing to the full desire of their own hearts. 

"Henry Tuckley, 
"G. Parsons Nichols, 
"John W. Phillips, 

"Committee. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 105 

"These resolutions were unanimously adopted 
by the association. They were ordered engrossed, 
presented to Rev. Mr. Dunham, and a copy sent 
to the session of the church with the request that 
they be spread upon the minutes of that body. 
It was also voted to publish them in the papers." 

FAREWELL TO THE OLD CHURCH 

Sunday, October 8, 1899, was fixed upon as 
the day for the farewell service in the old sanc- 
tuary, and the valedictory by the pastor. 

Of this service the local papers next day gave 
this brief account: 

"The congregation of the West Presbyterian 
Church held its final service in the old church on 
Chapin Street yesterday, preparatory to moving 
into the new building at Main and Walnut 
Streets. There was an overflowing congregation, 
and the services and sermon by the pastor, the 
Rev. Samuel Dunham, were impressive. 

"In his sermon Mr. Dunham dwelt upon the 
attachment of the ancient Jews for their temples, 
taking for his text Psalm 137:5 and 6: — 'If I 
forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand for- 
get her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let 
my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I 
prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.' The 



106 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

Jew's deepest love, Mr. Dunham showed, cen- 
tered in his temple. Their national life, from 
the first, was intimately associated with it. The 
true, devout Israelite,' he said, 'was attached to 
his place of worship as with bands of love and 
hooks of steel.' Mr. Dunham asked why the 
Christian of these later days with so much more 
reason, should not be even more attached to his 
place of worship. He showed also that God 
loves beauty, beauty in architecture as well as in 
nature, and rewards the building of beautiful 
churches to His glory. 
"In closing he said: 

" 'Brethren and sisters, my dear people : We, 
this morning, bid a somewhat sad farewell to this 
dear old house of worship, and to this sacred spot, 
hallowed by more than a quarter of a century of 
the most loving Christian fellowship and self- 
denying labors together for Christ and the souls 
of men. It is like parting from a very dear old 
friend. It is almost like the separation of a 
mother from the child she loves. But, thank 
God! it is not all sad to-day. Quite otherwise. 
Had we spent these twenty-six and more years 
together here without avail, toiling in vain; bat- 
tling without visible result, suffering uniform 
defeat; praying without gracious answer, and 



The Life Story of Half a Century 107 



denying ourselves for naught, and, at the end of 
more than a quarter century, been compelled to 
abandon our enterprise as hopeless, and to quit 
this sanctuary as a God-forsaken place, resting 
under the frown of Heaven, sad indeed would be 
this moment of parting. 

" 'But, my friends, with what very different 
thoughts and feelings do we to-day turn our backs 
upon this, our beloved church-home! We all 
feel and know that this consecrated spot whereon 
we worship for the last time to-day, has the rare 
smell of a field which God hath richly and repeat- 
edly blessed, and never more so than during the 
last year and a half or two years while we have 
been planning and executing larger things for the 
glory of God. 

" c In my humble judgment, never has church 
building ever served a nobler purpose or fulfilled 
a grander mission than has this pile of brick and 
stone and mortar wherein we are now assembled, 
and which was solemnly dedicated and again re- 
dedicated to the service of God years ago. 

" 'But, the time has now, in the providence of 
the same good and gracious God arrived for us 
to cast off the old and to enter the new ; to forget 
the past and to stand with faces squarely fronting 
the future, — a future, I cannot but believe, big 



108 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

with hope, and richer far than the years gone by, 
in blessing; a future, we fondly hope and fer- 
vently pray, to be crowned and glorified with the 
unceasing presence and the glorious grace of 
God. 

" 'If it did not seem cruel to call them back 
from their brighter home in the heavenly temple, 
I could wish that all who have ever enjoyed this 
goodly fellowship with us here in the years that 
are past, — all the loved ones who have laid down 
their earthly work and linger no longer here in 
earthly temples, — might be permitted to accom- 
pany us into the beautiful new edifice, and par- 
take with us in all its glad songs and services, its 
sweet fellowships, and its anticipated spiritual 
blessings. 

<c c So, with our sadness and with our tears that 
cannot be repressed, we will devoutly thank God 
and take courage, going forward ever in the 
strength of our God, and saying to our dear old 
sanctuary a somewhat regretful, and yet a most 
affectionate farewell.' 

"In conclusion Mr. Dunham read a poem en- 
titled The Old Church is for Sale.' " 

In full sympathy with the mingled emotions 
that are filling many of our hearts at this moment, 



The Life Story of Half a Century 109 

are these quaint but true and tender lines, which 
I wish to repeat in closing, touching 

THE OLD CHURCH IS FOR SALE 

I've worshiped there for many a year — they never seen 
me fail, 

But now they've come an* told me that the old church is 
for sale ! 

The auctioneer is ready an' they're goin' to let her go — 
The old church where we praised the Lord from whom 
all blessin's flow! 

I jest can't help the heartbeat — the mist that's round my 
eyes — 

For there I read my titles clear to mansions in the skies ; 
An' there, in years that had their tears, I found salvation 
free — 

And knew that sweet amazin' grace that saved a wretch 
like me. 

I knowed the "amen corner" — I knowed the "anxious 
seat" — 

An' when the organ shook the walls, or died in music 
sweet, 

Like a little child a dreamin', I closed my old eyes there, 
An' my soul went up to heaven on the wings of love an' 
prayer. 

There was sweetest consolation in the holy, heavenly 
calm 

That led us into Gilead, where we found the healin' 
balm ; 



110 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

'Twas there we glimpsed the beauty of a better, brighter 
sky 

That bent o'er Canaan's happy land, where our posses- 
sions lie. 

But the old church now is throwed aside — they're build- 
in' of a new, 

But the same salvation's in it — thank the Lord! for me 
and you. 

But no matter how they build it, my heart will always go 
To the old church where we praised the Lord from whom 
all blessin's flow! 

The following Sunday morning (October 15, 
1899), the first public service was held in the new 
edifice. It was of the nature of a prayer and 
praise service with a brief address by the pastor, 
and proved an occasion of deep interest and heart- 
felt gratitude to God. 

Following this service the Sunday School, in 
unusual numbers, convened in its new quarters, 
and the classes were assigned their places. In the 
evening of the same Sunday, the West Church 
united with the Tabernacle M. E. Church in spe- 
cial services preparatory to a series of union evan- 
gelistic meetings. 

Four addresses were delivered, on the follow- 
ing themes : By Rev. Dr. A. W. Hayes on 'The 
Warrant" ; by Dr. Geo. F. Hand on "The Divine 



The Life Story of Half a Century 111 



Element"; by Rev. Samuel Dunham on "The 
Human Element"; and by Hon. W. J. Welsh on 
"The Fruits of a Revival of Religion." 

DEDICATION OF THE NEW CHURCH 

The next day, — Monday evening, October 16, 
1899, — was Dedication Day. The occasion 
brought together an immense throng, over 1,700 
people being present to witness the impressive 
services. 

Appreciative notices appeared the following 
day in all the local papers, from which we make 
some extracts. 

"The edifice presented a beautiful appearance. 
Palms, potted plants and flowers formed the dec- 
orations of the church, which with its harmonious 
fittings and brilliant lighting, made a handsome 
appearance. From the arch over the pulpit a 
row of electric lights threw their illumination 
upon the organ and the choir, with pretty effect. 
Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Dunham, recently pre- 
sented to the church and which hang near the rear 
of the building, were decked with white and pink 
carnations, and on the frame of Mrs. Dunham's 
were draped white satin ribbons, with the words, 
Tn Loving Memory,' and T. H. N.' Among the 
ministers who had seats on the platform or else- 



112 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



where were: The Rev. G. Parsons Nichols, 
D.D., of the First Presbyterian Church; the Rev. 
Edward Taylor, D.D., the Rev. John McVey, 
D.D., of the North Presbyterian; the Rev. John 
MacLachlan, of Immanuel Presbyterian; the Rev. 
A. W. Hayes, D.D., of the Tabernacle M. E.; the 
Rev. Nacy McGee Waters, of the First Congre- 
gational ; the Rev. A. D. Stowell ; the Rev. W. A. 
Dunning; the Rev. Depugh Griffiths, of Conklin 
Avenue Baptist; the Rev. A. D. Decker, of Clin- 
ton Street M. E.; the Rev. John B. Sumner, of 
Oak Street M. E. ; the Rev. Thomas Clayton, of 
Plymouth Congregational; the Rev. Daniel Mil- 
ler, of the German Evangelical; the Rev. C. S. 
Dewing, of Boston, Mass.; the Rev G. Flavel 
Humphreys, of Nineveh; the Rev. Samuel John- 
son, formerly of Sidney; the Rev. I. P. Emerick, 
of Conklin; the Rev. W. J. Hill, of Wilkesbarre. 

"The services began at 7 :30 o'clock with a 
prelude, 'Qffertoire St. Cecelia,' played upon the 
great organ by the builder, Frank Beman, and 
which showed the possibilities of the instrument 
well. The Doxology was sung by the congrega- 
tion, and the Rev. Thomas Clayton made the in- 
vocation. The choir, trained by C. B. Starr, sang 
with fine effect Gounod's c Send Out Thy Light,' 
with Mrs. C. A. Ball, the church organist, accom- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 113 



panying. Psalms 100 and 122 were read re- 
sponsively, the Rev. C. S. Dewing, of Boston, 
leading, in the absence of the Rev. D. N. Grum- 
mon. After the Gloria Patri, by the choir, the 
Rev. Depugh Griffiths led the congregation in the 
Lord's prayer. 

DEDICATORY SERMON. 

" c How Did My Heart Rejoice to Hear' was 
sung, and Mr. Dunham introduced the Rev. 
George F. Pentecost, D.D., of Yonkers, who gave 
the dedicatory sermon from the text found in the 
18th chapter of Matthew, the 20th verse: 
'Where two or three are gathered together in my 
name, there am I in the midst of them/ 

(C The point of chief importance upon the in- 
teresting occasion which has called us together 
to-night,' he said, c is not the beautiful edifice in 
which we now gather; neither is it the ecclesias- 
tical body of which this church is a unit. It is 
rather the result of that getting together in the 
name of the Lord Jesus Christ, which we speak 
of as His church. When our Lord was on earth 
there was no church as we understand it to-day; 
no ecclesiastical organizations such as we now 
have. There was a church composed of those 
who believed and had gathered about Him.' 



114 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

"Dr. Pentecost called attention to the discus- 
sions which have arisen in modern times as to 
what shall be called the Church and the True 
Presence, and said that his text was the definition 
of the church and of the true presence. Whether 
it be in the cathedral or in the forest, in the midst 
of the ocean or on the western plain, where two 
or three are gathered and God is there, there is a 
church. 

"The speaker emphasized the word 'gathered,' 
and said that a church is not a mere aggregation 
of people, but it is called together by the leading 
of God. 'There are countries in Europe,' he said, 
'in which all the people are put into the "church" 
by law. Why, all the czars, and all the kings, 
and all the emperors banded together are as pow- 
erless to make a church as they are to destroy it !' 
The two or three, further, must be gathered to- 
gether 'In My name.' 

"Rev. Dr. Nacy McGee Waters offered a brief 
prayer and the hymn, 'Arise, O King of Grace! 
Arise,' was sung, Rev. John B. Sumner making 
the announcement. 

"Then came one of the most interesting fea- 
tures of the evening, an address by Rev. Mr. 
Dunham, in which he related the growth of the 
building project. Mr. Dunham paid a glowing 



The Life Story of Half a Century 115 



tribute to the work of the board of trustees, most 
of whom are young men, and who, he said, pos- 
sess 'pluck, grit, brains and executive ability of 
no mean order.' 

"He explained that with the exception of the 
large window on the Main Street front, all of 
the available windows in the church are either 
memorials or gifts. 

MEMORIAL WINDOWS 

" 'Beginning at my right,' he said, 'on the west 
side, this beautiful large arched window above the 
gallery, is in memory of Edward Barton, one of 
the original members of this church, who died 
some six months after the church was organized. 
The group of five windows beneath the Barton 
window are in memory of Reuben Beebe, Geo. 
W. Gardiner, Chas. E. Baldwin, esq., Mary S. 
Darby, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fairchild. The dou- 
ble window at the right of the pulpit (below and 
above the gallery) is a memorial to Joseph M. 
Smith (elder in the First Church) and Emma 
Smith. The double window opposite on my left 
is in memory of Zenus Barnum and Caroline E. 
Barnum. This large window on the east side, at 
my left, above the gallery, is designed as a 
memorial to Mrs. Dunham and four children. It 



116 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

is the gift of personal friends, mostly outside the 
city. 

" 'The group of five windows beneath are in 
memory of Morgan L. Barnes, Isaac A. Finney 
and O. Z. Brown, elders in this church; Mary 
Finney Brown, Nettie Finney Morey, and her 
son, Giles W. Morey, and Mason J. McPherson. 
The next double window (on the west side) is a 
gift of our Ladies' Industrial Society. 

" The three square windows beneath the 
arched entrance (east side), and opening into the 
chapel, are gifts of the King's Daughters, the 
Christian Endeavor Society and the Junior En- 
deavor Society, the windows bearing the appro- 
priate emblems of these young people's societies. 
On the opposite side of the chapel (west side) 
also are two double windows, gifts of the Chris- 
tian Endeavor Society and the King's Daughters. 
Opening into the same room on the west, is the 
memorial window of Mary Birdsall Musson. 
On the south side of the same room is a window 
in memory of Stephen Walter Hand, son of Dr. 
and Mrs. George F. Hand. Then, finally, di- 
rectly fronting Main Street, beneath the large 
window is a group of five windows, the central 
one a gift from our Sunday School, the other four 
in memory of Deacon Edward B. Whitney, Mary 



The Life Story of Half a Century 117 



Kellogg Thompson, Luther Jenison, Libbie B. 
Seabury.' 

TOTAL COST OF CHURCH. 

"Mr. Dunham announced that the total cost of 
the church, the lot and furnishings had been 
$52,100, and that there was a balance of $12,- 
239.74 still to be paid. 'That is what we wish 
to provide for to-night,' he said." 

Then there came an unexpected turn of affairs 
when Mr. L. A. Osgood, Secretary of the Board 
of Trustees, arose and read the following gratify- 
ing communication, which came as a total surprise 
to nearly all present: 

A WEIGHTY COMMUNICATION AND 
SURPRISE 

"To the Board of Trustees of the West Presby- 
terian Church, Binghamton, N. Y.: 
"Brothers : After a thorough discussion with 
Mr. Dunham, of our present financial condition, 
we agree that the spiritual growth and prosperity 
of our church will suffer from the debt now upon 
it. 

"Mr. Dunham has contributed already more 
than any one else, yet in view of the above fact, 
he is seriously considering making an enormous 
personal sacrifice, that the church may immedi- 



118 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



ately upon its dedication begin an aggressive work 
of salvation unhampered. He has confidentially 
given me his financial condition, and I want to 
say that for him to make any further sacrifice 
would be to risk the ordinary comforts and care 
incident to old age, especially since being bereft 
of any living arm to lean upon that he can call 
his own by right of kinship. 

f 'Twenty-seven years of faithful service as pas- 
tor of the West Church alone entitles Mr. Dun- 
ham to some special consideration. Add to this 
his generous rebates of salary year after year, and 
we are under no small obligations to him from a 
financial standpoint. Then recall his life work 
here of more than a quarter of a century, and we 
must frankly admit that he has contributed 
largely by personal effort, moral and financial 
support to make the religious, educational and 
home life of Bingham ton as good as it is. Com- 
ing here with his little family in 1873 he has 
rounded out every year with service and sacrifice 
second to no other local pastor. His sad experi- 
ences for a few years are so full of pathos one 
hesitates to refer to them. Looking over these 
years of manifest service I am led to believe that 
our church and every Christian citizen will heart- 
ily agree with me that some recognition of his life 



The Life Story of Half a Century 119 



work here should be made by this church at this 
time. 

"I feel that Mr. Dunham should not be forced, 
or ever permitted, to seek a home outside of Bing- 
hamton. On yonder slope rests all that men hold 
most dear, the dust of all his family. To fre- 
quent that spot will be a most blessed privilege 
in his declining years. Shall we not make it pos- 
sible for him to do this until he shall rest beside 
them? In consideration of the above, I believe 
we should heartily and unanimously act favor- 
ably upon the proposition which follows : 

"Mr. Dunham and the writer will contribute 
$10,000 ($5,000 each) upon the following con- 
ditions : 

"First — That the proposed pledges for $8,000 
be increased to at least $10,000 and the time ex- 
tended from October 15, 1901, to January 1, 
1903, and the pledge to be interest bearing at 4 
per cent, until paid. 

"Second — That the seats of the new church 
shall always be free, with the distinct understand- 
ing, that all regular contributors shall be entitled 
to select permanent sittings and may retain such 
seat, year after year, so long as they shall occupy 
the same and make regular contributions during 
each year for the support of the church. 



120 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

' Third — (Which condition is made by the 
writer and which I hoped could be made a sur- 
prise to Mr. Dunham, but circumstances made it 
necessary for me to advise him of the plan) viz.: 
That upon the completion of his active pastorate, 
Mr. Dunham be made 'pastor emeritus' of the 
West Church. That his active pastorate termi- 
nate at such time as may be mutually agreed 
upon. That he be paid a stipulated sum, annu- 
ally, during his life, and this obligation shall be 
regarded as the most binding debt of the church. 

"Fourth — The writer will lend the church 
whatever money may be required on mortgage for 
the term of ten years at 4 per cent, annual inter- 
est, payable semi-annually, with the privilege of 
paying $500 at any interest day. 

"If all these conditions are carried out, we will 
have a smaller financial burden to carry than ever 
before in twenty-seven years. There will be 
nothing in the way of entering upon the most ac- 
tive Christian work ever undertaken by a church 
of our denomination in this city. We can, in the 
near future, safely call a strong young man as 
associate pastor, allowing Mr. Dunham to give 
a good share of his time to pastoral visits and face 
to face work for which he is so admirably 
equipped. This matter has been on my heart and 



The Life Story of Half a Century 121 



mind for a long time and it seems to me it solves 
every problem, financial and pastoral, and places 
us in a position to engage in the Lord's business 
with little if anything in the way of a wonderful 
work of grace in our new church at the very out- 
set.' 5 * 

SANG THE DOXOLOGY. 

"Mr. Osgood stated that the church officers 
had unanimously endorsed the offer. Dr. Taylor 
made a touching and impromptu address in rela- 
tion to Mr. Dunham's services. The pastor then 
asked for a contribution to wipe out the $2,000 
still remaining to be paid, and pledge cards were 
distributed among the congregation. When they 
were collected it was announced that $2,367 had 
been pledged, while the amount required was only 
$2,239. Pledges of $115 more were later re- 
ceived, and there are many others still to come in. 

" c The amount is sufficient to extinguish the 
entire debt,' said Mr. Dunham, c for the first time 
in the history of the society,' and the congregation 
rose and sang the Doxology. 

THE FORMAL DEDICATION. 

"The formal dedication followed, the Rev. 

* The above letter was without signature, but it soon came to 
be generally understood that its author was Mr. L. M. Bowers. 



122 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

John MacLachlan reading the Scriptures, 1 Kings 
8:22-30, 1 Kings 9:1-3. and the people and pastor 
joining in responsive reading, closing with: 'This 
house, which we have been permitted to build 
through the gracious favor of divine providence, 
we do now solemnly dedicate to the worship and 
service of Almighty God, the Father, the Son and 
the Holy Ghost. Amen' 

"After 'Holy, Holy, Holy' had been sung, the 
Rev. Dr. G. Parsons Nichols offered the dedica- 
tory prayer, the dedicatory hymn, c O Thou, Whose 
Own Vast Temple Stands,' was sung by the choir, 
and the Rev. A. D. Stowell pronounced the bene- 
diction. The organ postlude was by Mr. Be- 
man." 

The following day the papers announced that 
"To the glory of God and in loving memory of 
Mrs. Sarah M. Dunham," and without a cent of 
debt hanging over it, the beautiful stone home of 
the West Presbyterian Church, at Main and Wal- 
nut Streets, was dedicated. There were 1,700 
people present to witness the inspiring dedicatory 
services. The pleasantest feature of the evening 
was the announcement of gifts of $10,000, which, 
with an offering of over $2,000, made by the con- 
gregation on the spot, cleared the church entirely 
of debt, and this notwithstanding the fact that 



The Life Story of Half a Century 123 



before the work of erecting the magnificent new 
church was undertaken, there was a debt of over 
$6,000 upon the old building. Rev. Samuel 
Dunham and another person, whose name is not 
revealed, are the ones meriting all praise for this, 
as they donated $5,000 each for that purpose, in 
addition to the $2,000 previously subscribed by 
each of them. It was a great night for the church 
and for the pastor.' 5 

JUBILEE NIGHT 

The evening of October 17 was given up to 
jubilee services. Songs of praise, words of con- 
gratulation from sister churches, stirring addresses 
by several pastors, and a profoundly earnest serv- 
ice of consecration led by Dr. Edward Taylor, 
were the features of the jubilee's exercises. 

"After an organ prelude by Mrs. Charles A. 
Ball, Rev. Charles H. Kilmer of Breesport of- 
fered prayer and Rev. I. P. Emerick of Conklin 
led in the responsive reading of the twenty-sev- 
enth Psalm. Simpson's anthem, T Will Feed 
My Flock,' was then sung with spirit and tuneful- 
ness that were impressive. Rev. I. N. Shipman 
implored the blessing of God on the service to 
follow. By special request, the male quartet of 
the West Church, composed of B. A. Baumann, 



124 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

C. S. and W. A. Miller and Frank Snyder, fa- 
vored the audience with a selection, singing 'Jubi- 
late Deo' in a pleasing manner. 

"The pastor, Rev. Samuel Dunham, then made 
announcement of the union evangelistic services 
to begin the next evening in the West church, 
after which he read letters of fraternal greeting 
and congratulations from Revs. Frederick Per- 
kins, M. J. Bieber and Dr. Henry Tuckley of 
this city and Rev. W. J. Gregory, pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church at Nichols, also one from a 
friend in the laity, John Anderson, of Trinity 
Memorial Church. 

"Dr. John McVey then gave the greeting of 
what he styled the West church's elder sister, the 
congregational body of the North church, and 
followed it with earnest words of commendation 
of Mr. Dunham's faith and courage which had 
ever been equal to his convictions, speaking par- 
ticularly of the wise planning and the rich fruit- 
age of the two years of service and sacrifice shown 
in the beautiful new church. The doctor also 
commended the erection of the edifice in the mem- 
ory of a worthy Christian wife, mother and friend, 
Mrs. Sarah M. Dunham, and closed with a 
prophecy of still greater blessings for the pastor 
and people of the West church. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 125 

"Dr. L. M. S. Haynes, who followed Dr. Mc- 
Vey, assured the members of the West church that 
his brethren of the Main Street Baptist Church 
rejoiced with them in the erection of so beautiful 
a house of worship on the west side of the city, and 
expressed the hope that his people might some day 
'go and do likewise. 5 Speaking in a more serious 
vein, Dr. Haynes said: To inherit a spiritual 
patrimony is an occasion of pride to a pastor ; but 
when a man of God starts with a little church and 
a debt of $16,000 and, by quiet, persevering work, 
reaches such a magnificent consummation of his 
planning, he \s indeed worthy of warmest words 
of congratulation. We have our hero in the min- 
istry in Binghamton in Mr. Dunham, and this 
wonderful occasion is his triumph. 5 

"Dr. A. W. Hayes extended to the new church 
the hearty congratulations of the people of the 
Tabernacle. He then drew an impressive lesson 
upon the immeasurable influence of faithful, de- 
voted service, and in the beautiful edifice he urged 
Pastor Dunham's flock c to ever seek to see God's 
hand and a trophy of His grace, for the day must 
come when your beloved leader will rest from his 
labors ; yet the edifice will remain and the blessed 
wooing of the spirit of the same Jesus will con- 
tinue its holy work. 5 



126 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

"Dr. Edward Taylor, who followed Dr. Hayes, 
never spoke in a deeper spirit of earnestness than 
last evening. The church was all right, said he, 
if it was baptized with the spirit of God. With 
its larger opportunities and more adequate equip- 
ment, he believed, should come a truer conception 
of the true power and dignity of the church. In 
this connection he observed that what the clergy 
and laity had said was beautiful, 'but what does 
God say, what is the heavenly host saying about 
this jubilee? How are the angels speaking about 
it? You. have reached a period of intensest grav- 
ity; do not let your soul starve in the midst of 
abundance, but assimilate the bread of life here 
offered you/ 

"In his usual impressive manner he urged the 
taking up of heavier burdens c in the Master's be- 
half, now that the society has so gloriously en- 
larged its field of usefulness.' 'Impossible' he 
regarded as a vanished word since Mr. Dunham 
had so marvelously paid the debt of the old 
church and built a new one with no existing in- 
debtedness. He pleaded most earnestly that the 
Gillam meetings be made 'the grandest ever held 
here.' 

"An earnest prayer of consecration, the singing 
of a hymn, Tell Me the Old, Old Story,' and the 



The Life Story of Half a Century 127 



benediction, pronounced by Dr. McVey, brought 
the jubilee service to an impressive close." 

EVANGELISTIC SERVICES 

The following evening, Oct. 18, a series of 
evangelistic meetings was commenced, in which 
the Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church 
heartily united under the leadership of their pas- 
tor, Rev. Dr. Hayes. These services were suc- 
cessfully conducted by the evangelist, Rev. Ralph 
Gillam, assisted by O. W. Crowell, soloist, and 
director of the large union chorus choir. The 
meetings continued daily for some two weeks, and 
proved very effective, and resulted in much good, 
in which a number of the churches of the city 
shared. 

In December of the following year, also, the 
Rev. Dr. John H. Elliott of New York, and Rev. 
F. H. Jacobs, the noter singer and choir leader, 
spent a few days with us. 

Their earnest efforts were attended with excel- 
lent results in the spiritual quickening of the 
church, although their labors were of too short 
duration for the best effect, or the realization of 
any large ingathering of converts. 

In this connection we may properly refer to the 
leading part the West church has always borne 



128 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

in all the beneficent Union organizations of the 
city, and to its prominent connection with the 
various moral and religious movements and re- 
forms. Temperance, the Sabbath, the Bible, 
evangelism, revivals, missions, have always found 
in the membership of the West church staunch 
supporters and defenders. Of our record in all 
these respects we have little reason to be ashamed. 

MISSIONARY TO JAPAN 

An event of peculiar interest to the church and 
the community, belonging to this period, was the 
departure of Miss Julia E. Hand, daughter of 
Dr. George F. Hand, for her field of labor in the 
city of Yokohama, Japan. 

On Tuesday evening, Sept. 25, 1900, a fare- 
well reception was held for Miss Hand in the 
church parlors. The occasion brought together 
a large gathering of friends not only from the 
West church in which Miss Hand had grown up 
from her childhood, but also from many of the 
other churches of the city. Those who received 
were Dr. and Mrs. Geo. F. Hand, Miss Julia E. 
Hand, and Mr. Dunham, the pastor. The ush- 
ers were Mrs. L. A. Osgood, Mrs. Charles A. Ball, 
Miss Emma Bush and Miss Caroline E. Barnum. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 129 



A short programme was given consisting mainly 
of the singing of missionary hymns by the church 
choir, and informal remarks by Miss Hand and 
the pastor. 

Light refreshments were served by the ladies 
of the church in a room specially fitted up for the 
purpose. Soft lights were thrown from Japanese 
lanterns suspended from the ceiling, and on all 
sides Japanese decorations gave the room a dis- 
tinctly Oriental appearance. The scene was one 
not soon to be forgotten. 

The following Sunday evening, September 
30th, an occasion of yet deeper and more tender 
interest was the farewell service held in the audi- 
torium of the church. A large congregation as- 
sembled to listen to the final address of Miss 
Hand previous to her leaving the city for her mis- 
sion field. 

The pastor had charge of the services, and made 
a brief address, tendering to Miss Hand, in be- 
half of the congregation, the congratulations, 
good wishes, prayers and affectionate interest of 
all present. The choir rendered appropriate 
music, the closing hymns being, "Blest Be the 
Tie That Binds" and "God Be With You Till 
We Meet Again." 



130 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

At the conclusion of the service the congrega- 
tion filed past the platform and bade Miss Hand 
an affectionate farewell. 

After six years of effective and successful la- 
bors as superintendent of a native Bible training 
school, for which she was admirably fitted by 
previous training and experience, Miss Hand re- 
turned home for a vacation, and was accorded an 
enthusiastic reception by the people of the West 
church on July 6, 1906. 

Under a canopy of American flags the numer- 
ous guests were greeted by the reception commit- 
tee, consisting of Miss Hand, Dr. and Mrs. Hand, 
Rev. Dr. Edwin F. Hallenbeck, and Rev. and 
Mrs. Samuel Dunham. 

During the months following her return to this 
country, Miss Hand rendered valuable service in 
many churches and missionary gatherings by her 
inspiring addresses. 

Instead of returning to Japan to resume her 
work, having had an urgent call to remain in 
her native land, she contracted a happy matri- 
monial alliance, and became known as Mrs. F. S. 
Bronson, of Geneva, N. Y. 

PASTOR'S MESSAGE TO HIS PEOPLE 
The following communication, looking to a 



The Life Story of Half a Century 131 



change and readjustment of the pastoral relation, 
was read by the pastor on Sunday morning, April 
14, 1901, at the close of the sermon: 

"To the Congregation of the West Presbyterian 
Church, Binghamton: 

"My Dear People: Carrying out a purpose 
which has been forming in my own mind for a 
number of months past, last Sunday I laid before 
the session of the church, jointly meeting with 
the Board of Trustees and Deacons, for substance 
the following communication, which it is but 
right and proper I should now make known to 
you: 

"More than a year ago, a few months after the 
completion and occupancy of our new church edi- 
fice, I submitted to the Session the question 
whether the time had not then arrived when, by 
reason of the greatly increased pastoral labors, 
and the present pastor's long term of service, it 
might not be wise for the church in pursuance of 
a plan considered some months before, either to 
secure the services of an assistant or associate pas- 
tor, whose principal function should be that of 
preacher, having full responsibility for all public 
services, and acting also to some extent as as- 
sistant in pastoral work, or to allow me to retire 



182 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

altogether from the active duties of the pastorate, 
and, in accordance with the offer, unanimously 
indorsed by the officers of both church and so- 
ciety, and by the society itself, accept the hon- 
orary position of Tastor Emeritus, 5 upon the 
terms previously proposed and accepted. 

"This proposition of mine met with no favor 
in the Session, the feeling, freely expressed, being 
that the time was not yet ripe, nor the way clear, 
for such a step. 

"But, for several months past, especially amid 
the extraordinary demands and unceasing pres- 
sure of pulpit and parish work during the past 
Winter, the impression has been deepening with 
me that some action of the kind referred to ought, 
ere long, to be seriously considered as a measure 
of relief. 

"Accordingly, at the last regular meeting of 
the Session, held several weeks ago, I went pre- 
pared and fully intending to open up the sub- 
ject, and to declare my convictions in reference 
to it. But, owing to the lateness of the hour of 
meeting and the number of other urgent matters 
of business demanding immediate attention, it had 
to be deferred. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 133 



TO RENEW PROPOSITION. 

"So I come at this time, brethren, to renew the 
proposition of a year or more ago, and now make 
earnest request that, as early as convenient, some 
definite action be taken thereupon. 

"While a complete respite from the exacting 
labors of a pastor, for a time at least, would be 
a welcome relief after thirty-eight years of al- 
most unbroken service in the Gospel ministry, 
and may, most likely, upon due consideration, be 
preferred by me, yet, for the present, I am dis- 
posed to leave it somewhat to your own good 
judgment, guided by the Spirit of God, to de- 
termine which of the two courses suggested shall 
be for the best interests of the church. 

" In any event it is not presumed that it would 
be wise or practicable to attempt to carry these 
plans into actual effect earlier than the coming 
Autumn. 

"In making the above request, let me say, it is 
a source of peculiar satisfaction to me personally 
that it falls at a period when our beloved church 
has just reached the highest point of prosperity 
known in the twenty-eight years of this pastor- 
ate; when the very success and rapid expansion 
of our work calls for additional help in carrying 
it forward. No greater transformation can be 



134 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

conceived of than that which, by God's blessing 
upon our united efforts, has taken place since the 
earliest years of this enterprise. 

"If, instead of beginning, as I did in January, 
1873, without any church organization as yet ef- 
fected, without even our first plain brick chapel 
on what is now Chapin Street (the street not hav- 
ing been opened to Main Street till some years 
later), as yet completed, in an unfortunate and 
always discouraging location, with barely twenty- 
three men and forty-two women pledged to the 
prospective organization, a number of whom 
had already advanced beyond the period of ac- 
tivity, among whom there were almost literally 
no young people, and nearly all of whom were 
either poor, or of but very moderate means, and 
with only forty families, all told, embraced with- 
in the entire parish; and, added to all, and 
worst of all, an almost crushing debt of $11,000 
which through shrinkage and failures, soon 
swelled to $16,000, upon a church property 
whose total valuation at that time did not exceed 
$16,000 or at most $17,000; if, instead of begin- 
ning my work, I say, in this city at such a time,, 
and in such depressing circumstances, I could only 
come to you again as a new and younger man, and 
commence my pastorate just at this present stage 



The Life Story of Half a Century 135 



of our progress as a church, with what hope and 
courage and assurance of success would I enter 
upon the glorious work! 

ATTRACTIVE AND PROMISING FIELD. 

"This, my friends, in the judgment of all who 
know us, has now come to be an unusually at- 
tractive and promising field. It bears no resem- 
blance to what it was in the early days of our 
feebleness and hardship, our long, bitter strug- 
gle against 'hard times,' and heavy debts, and 
poor equipment, and inadequate means and facil- 
ities, and unfavorable situation. 

"The pioneer stage is passed. Our severest 
struggles are behind us. The real crisis and de- 
cisive test of our existence has long gone by. Few 
fields can be found to-day more alluring for a 
minister who desires to make a splendid record of 
achievement for the Master. 

"Possessed of one of the most spacious and well 
equipped houses of worship in our city, or any- 
where in the State, specially endeared as a sacred 
memorial, occupying a location unsurpassed, with 
a church property conservatively valued at $70,- 
000, and unincumbered with debt, the annual 
revenues largely in excess of any former period, 
and that notwithstanding the present draft made 



136 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



upon many of our members in meeting their 
pledges to the building fund; with congregations 
very materially increased, the Sunday school, for 
the year just closed, April l, with decidedly the 
largest average attendance, and much the largest 
membership, of any year in its history, and other 
organizations in a flourishing condition; with the 
unprecedented record of more than sixty new 
families added to the congregation in the last 
seventeen or eighteen months, since we entered 
our new house of worship, and 140 new names 
added to our church membership, 67 on confes- 
sion of faith and 73 by letter from other churches 
— a net gain of nearly 100 members within the 
same period — surely, we all have abundant rea- 
son, if we ever had, and far more reason than we 
ever have had before, to thank God and take cour- 
age. 

"And, looking to the future, it appears to me 
that under any wise and faithful administration 
and prudent management, there is every reason 
to expect even more rapid and substantial progress 
in the months and years to come. 

"There never has been a time in the whole 
period of this church's existence when your pres- 
ent pastor could relinquish his work and commit 



The Life Story of Half a Century 137 



it to other hands in such splendid and hopeful con- 
dition, or when a new man could take up the work 
in this field with anything like so much of en- 
couragement and confident hope &s the present. 

"Looking back over the more than a quarter 
of a century, I deeply feel how utterly imperfect 
and incomplete has been my work. More and 
more, as the years have sped, and the bounds 
of the parish have expanded to more than ten 
times their original proportions, and the families 
to be cared for, the sick to be visited, and the many 
other duties to be performed, have correspond- 
ingly increased, I have realized how inadequate 
must be even one's utmost efforts, and know, bet- 
ter than any one else can tell me, how far short I 
have fallen of my own ideal of ministerial effi- 
ciency. It is quite safe to say that no one man 
alone can well and thoroughly and to his own 
satisfaction, meet all the pressing and ever in- 
creasing requirements of such a field. 

"I feel sure, therefore, that the force and rea- 
son of the request contained in this communica- 
tion will appeal to your own judgment, and will 
be appreciated by you all. 

"I may add that the officers of church and so- 
ciety, in joint meeting, have already taken favor- 



138 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

able action upon the pastor's request, and I trust 
there will be a most hearty and unanimous con- 
currence on the part of all our people. 

"Earnestly praying for the church's continued 
growth and prosperity, I remain 

"Sincerely your pastor, 

"Samuel Dunham. 
"35 North Street, April 13, 1901." 

After the reading of the pastor's communica- 
tion, the following resolution, adopted by the of- 
ficers, was presented by Dr. George F. Hand, 
chairman of the committee: 

"Resolved, That we desire at this time to ex- 
press our heartfelt appreciation of the faithful 
and devoted services of our beloved pastor, the 
Rev. Samuel Dunham, during all the years from 
the organization of our church to the present mo- 
ment, and we contemplate with satisfaction and 
pleasure the hope and expectation that, whatever 
official changes may be made in our relationship, 
he will remain with us, and we shall not be de- 
prived of the counsel, sympathy and help which 
have contributed so largely to our unity and suc- 
cess heretofore. "George F. Hand, 
"Louis A. Osgood, 
"H. D. Whitmarsh, 

"Committee" 



I 

i 



I 



REV. EDWIN F. HALLENBECK, D.D. 
Second Pastor of the West Church. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 139 

A little later on, after mature reflection, the 
pastor modified the above communication, ex- 
pressing his decided preference that, when the 
final action should be taken, he be released alto- 
gether from the active duties of his pastorate. 

The pastor continued his labors uninterrupt- 
edly for a number of months, until the time 
seemed ripe for the choice of his successor. 

A SUCCESSOR CHOSEN 

The following notice to the members of the 
West Presbyterian Church was read during the 
morning service, Sept. 29, 1901: 

"Pursuant to action taken by the session of 
this church on Wednesday evening, all the mem- 
bers of this congregation are requested to meet in 
the chapel at the close of prayer meeting next 
Wednesday evening at 8:30 o'clock. Then and 
there, if the way be clear and they so desire, to 
proceed to the election of a pastor to succeed the 
present pastor, upon his proposed retirement, on 
certain specified conditions, from the active du- 
ties of the office, in accordance with the definite 
proposition made, some months ago, by himself, 
and publicly announced to this congregation on 
the 14th day of April last. The committee to 



140 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

whom, last Spring, was intrusted the important 
duty of canvassing the question and presenting 
a suitable name for the position, will, it is under- 
stood, be prepared on Wednesday evening to re- 
port favorably the name of a candidate for the 
pastorate. 

"The meeting is also called for the transaction 
of such other business as may properly come be- 
fore the congregation. 

"Samuel Dunham, Moderator. 
"N. D. Musson, Clerk: 5 

The meeting was held at the time and place 
named, Mr. Dunham, by request, acting as Mod- 
erator. 

Upon recommendation of the committee a vote 
was taken which resulted in a call being extended 
to the Rev. Edwin F. Hallenbeck, pastor of the 
Third Presbyterian Church, of Albany, and pres- 
ident of the State Christian Endeavor Union. 

The call was formally accepted with the un- 
derstanding that he should assume the duties of 
his office at the opening of the year. 

The action of the church in regard to the new 
pastor was only taken after repeated requests 
from Mr. Dunham, who has been pastor of the 
West Presbyterian Church for twenty-nine years. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 141 

The following resolution was adopted by the 
church : 

Resolved, That in recognition of our pastor's 
long years of earnest and successful service in the 
West church and in view of the fact that he is 
now to retire from its active pastorate, we con- 
tinue his salary at the rate of $1,000 per year 
for two years from his retirement, to be followed 
for the remainder of life by the salary affixed 
to his honorary office of "pastor emeritus." 

HAPPILY WEDDED 

Tuesday, December 10, 1901, was an auspi- 
cious wedding day in the West church, when the 
pastor was united in marriage to Miss Robertha 
C. McLeod of Binghamton, formerly of Philadel- 
phia. 

The impressive services took place in the new 
edifice of the West Presbyterian Church at eleven 
o'clock in the morning in presence of an assem- 
blage that taxed the full capacity of the building. 
The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Nacy 
McGee Waters, D. D., then pastor of the First 
Congregational Church, assisted by the late Rev. 
G. Parsons Nichols, D. D., at that time pastor 
of the First Presbyterian Church. 

The maid of honor was Miss May Strubing, 



142 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

of Philadelphia, a life-long intimate friend of the 
bride, and the best man was Rev. Dr. John Mc- 
Vey, pastor of the North Presbyterian Church, 
an old seminary classmate of the groom, as well 
as a co-presbyter and fellow worker for many 
years in this city. 

The exquisite music and decorations added 
much to the joyousness of the occasion, and the 
whole was fitly concluded with a delightful re- 
ception and wedding breakfast at the home of 
the bride's uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas 
J. Winans, 163 Chapin Street, adjoining the par- 
sonage-home of Mr. Dunham. 

RETIREMENT OF MR. DUNHAM 

Mr. Dunham's final sermons as pastor of the 
West Presbyterian Church were delivered, and his 
farewell words spoken on Sunday, December 29, 
1901. 

Some idea of the nature of his work, and of 
what has been accomplished during his pastorate., 
may be gathered from the following sketch as 
reported by the press : 

"After serving the West Presbyterian Church 
since it was organized twenty-nine years ago, Rev. 
Samuel Dunham yesterday preached his last ser- 
mon as pastor of the church. Much feeling was 



The Life Story of Half a Century 143 



manifested by both the minister and the members 
of the church. 

"Mr. Dunham took for his morning text 2 Cor., 
4:5, Tor we preach not ourselves, but Christ 
Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for 
Jesus' sake.' In the course of his sermon the 
speaker reviewed the work of the past twenty-nine 
years. He said in part: 

" Thankful we ought to be to the God of the 
Harvest for the precious results, by His blessing 
achieved during these twenty-nine years — results 
visible, and results far greater and more precious 
that are invisible. 

cc This church has enjoyed many seasons of 
spiritual refreshing, and the membership has 
steadily advanced from year to year throughout 
the entire period. In a number of instances the 
yearly accessions have been unusually large, reach- 
ing in several recent years, close to the hundred 
mark and beyond as high as 120 in a single year. 

<£ 'What we have accomplished as a church may 
afford no very great occasion for self-congratula- 
tion, though enough has been done through our 
humble agency to awaken our heartfelt gratitude 
to God. Little room, indeed, is left for pride of 
heart or boasting, very much cause for humilia- 
tion and regrets in the retrospect. With real pain 



144 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

of heart we think to-day how much more might 
have been done for God and our fellow men, for 
Christ and perishing souls, all these years of 
grace, had we proved as devoted and faithful as 
we ought. 

" 'It is with a profound sense of the divine 
goodness, and with fervent thanksgiving to the 
Great Head of the church that we note whatever 
progress has been made. 

" 'By the grace of God we have added to our 
original little band of sixty-five persons (twenty- 
three men and forty-two women), by letter, 605; 
on profession, 715; total, 1,320. This makes our 
total enrollment 1,385. There have been re- 
moved from the church: by dismission, 382; by 
death, 138; total, 520. Leaving a clear net gain 
of 800. 

" c The average accessions per year for the whole 
period have been about forty-six. The average 
losses per year, eighteen, leaving a net average 
gain of about twenty-eight members for every 
year of my pastorate. 

" 'By far the largest half of this numerical gain, 
however, — as of growth and progress along other 
lines, — has been witnessed during the last half of 
this pastorate. And, in some important respects, 
the last five years have seen more of real substan- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 145 



tial advance than all of the previous twenty-four 
years. 

" 'During the current year since last January, 
seventy-six new members have been received, 
thirty-four by letter and forty-two on profession. 
Within the past two years since the society first 
occupied its new church edifice, 174 have been 
added to the membership; by letter, ninety-five, 
and on profession of faith, seventy-nine; an aver- 
age of eighty-seven per year, and a net gain over 
all losses in these last two years of 106. 

cc 'During this pastorate it has been my privilege 
to baptise 183 children and 356 adults, a total 
of 539. I have married 375 couples, and have 
officiated at 608 funerals, one-sixth of which have 
been within the past two years. 

" , c As a church we have contributed to missions 
and the various causes of benevolence an aggre- 
gate of $25,000, and have raised for congrega- 
tional purposes, including cost of church proper- 
ties, enlargements and improvements, erection of 
parsonage, payment of church debts, and ordinary 
current expenses, in round numbers, the sum of 
$175,000, making a grand total of $200,000 
as the amount of funds raised by this church since 
ground was broken in 1872 for our first church 
edifice on Chapin Street. 



146 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

<{ 'Within the period covered by this pastorate 
we have besides building a parsonage, virtually 
built three new churches. We have built two, 
and remodeled one at a cost of some $9,000. 

" c My friends, if such splendid results can be 
produced by a young church of moderate means 
in its first period of planting and immaturity, of 
pioneering and struggle, what far larger and richer 
fruits ought we not confidently to expect in these' 
immediate coming years, now that the period of 
hardest struggle is past; now that that most diffi- 
cult and delicate of all a pastor's work, the erec- 
tion of new churches, is over? There are no 
more new churches to build for generations to 
come, and you are in undisturbed possession of 
this magnificent and fully equipped plant for the 
carrying on, unhindered, of the spiritual work of 
the church. 

" 'Of my own labors I have no desire to speak 
at length. I only think of them as we must of 
all our defective efforts and partial success, with 
a kind of bitter sweetness. If I have, at times, 
felt the flush of success, I have also known the 
pain of failure. If I have rejoiced as a strong 
man to run a race, God has taught me my weak- 
ness. I have felt the more in sympathy with the 
apostles, as I have more fully comprehended the 



1 



The Life Story of Half a Century 147 



fact that "we have this treasure in earthen ves- 
sels, that the excellency of the power may be of 
God and not of us." 

" 'I took up the burdens of my office with you 
twenty-nine years ago, weighted with a sense of 
immense responsibility. I lay down my active 
pastorate to-day, still possessed of the feeling, 
"Who is sufficient for these things?" But as I 
have come into the fellowship of the apostles 5 suf- 
ferings, so have I come unto the blessed partner- 
ship of their joy, "Troubled on every side, yet 
not destroyed," "sorrowful yet always rejoicing." 

" 'I count that a most happy period of my life 
which I have spent among you and in your serv- 
ice. From the time when I first heard the heav- 
enly call, "Go preach my gospel," I looked for- 
ward to the ministry with expectation of great 
pleasure in it; but I want to say that it has been 
to me even a more joyful work than I ever dared 
to hope. It is a high, holy and blessed calling. 
I had rather have a pulpit with poverty than a 
pew with wealth. I have seen many of the gilded 
thrones of the old world; but they can not com- 
pare with that occupied by the Christian minis- 
ter. I had rather preach the gospel as an ambas- 
sador of Christ, and have tears for my meat, than 
be courtier and enjoy the sumptuous fare of kings. 



148 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

Christ's ministers have meat to eat such as never 
smoked upon royal tables, nor was ever tasted 
in the walks and homes of fashion and pleasure. 
The preacher of the cross has jewels that shall 
some day make a brighter coronet than prince ever 
wore. c They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious 
seed, shall doubtless come again w T ith rejoicing 
bringing his sheaves with him." Much, very 
much, however, I feel, is due to your never-fail- 
ing kindness and charity towards me that my long 
pastorate among you has been made so pleasant. 

" 'What shall a pastor render to his people for 
all their long years of loyal devotion; for favors 
unnumbered, for kind and considerate attentions; 
for innumerable gentle and delicate ministries; 
for loving sympathy in hours of darkness and trial, 
for prayers unceasing and for love undying until 
his debt of gratitude and thanksgiving seems piled 
mountain high? What shall such a pastor ren- 
der to such a people for all their graceful minis- 
tries and kindly benefactions? 

cc Tor all your friendly and tender interest in 
me and mine, both in seasons of health and sick- 
ness, in joy and in sorrow, I feel that I owe you 
a debt of gratitude of which I can never be dis- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 140 



charged. These things I assure you shall be held 
in grateful remembrance so long as I shall live. 
For all the undeserved favors your pastor has re- 
ceived, he can now only offer his poor thanks, but 
you who have given more than a cup of cold wa- 
ter to the disciple, shall in no wise lose your re- 
ward.' 

"In the evening Rev. Dr. Edward Taylor of- 
fered prayer, the occasion being the first time he 
has been able to attend a service in four months. 

"Mr. Dunham's evening text was taken from 
l Timothy 1:11 and the theme was The Glori- 
ous Gospel of the Blessed God,' and he depicted 
the progress and triumphs of the gospel from the 
coming of Christ to the present day. 

"The following are the last words of Mr. Dun- 
ham to his congregation as their pastor: 

" C I lay down to-night, dear friends, my dear 
people, my long and happy pastorate among you. 
To-night I cease from the work of the ministry in 
this field. But, so long as I live I hope to con- 
tinue to preach "the glorious gospel of the blessed 
God." To-night the chapter closes. The his- 
tory of twenty-nine years is complete. The rec- 
ord is made up; the account closed; the books 
sealed. When those books shall again be opened, 



150 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

what, I wonder, shall be the verdict? What shall 
be the final outcome? What, oh, what, for you 
and for me, shall the harvest be?' V 

The following Tuesday evening, Dec. 31, a 
farewell reception was given to Mr. and Mrs. 
Dunham in the church parlors. 

"The parlors were tastefully decorated with 
evergreens, palms, potted plants and cut flowers. 
Mr. and Mrs. Dunham, assisted by members of 
the church, received the guests at the entrance and 
the latter were ushered to the parlors where the 
time was spent in social enjoyment and extension 
of congratulations. 

"The affair, besides being the occasion of Mr. 
Dunham's farewell as pastor, was also in the na- 
ture of a reception to introduce Mrs. Dunham to 
the members of the church, no informal gathering 
of this kind having been held since the marriage 
of Mr. Dunham. 

"The attendance at the reception was large and 
representative of the membership of the church, 
besides many guests from outside the church cir- 
cle. The parlors were crowded with persons de- 
siring to extend their congratulations to Mr. and 
Mrs. Dunham and wish them a happy New Year. 

"Light refreshments were served; and informal 



The Life Story of Half a Century 151 



speeches, expressing the sorrow felt at Mr. Dun- 
ham's surrendering the active pastorate of the 
church, were made by various members. Music 
was furnished throughout the evening by the 
Binghamton Mandolin Club. There were also 
several duets by Mrs. Charles A. Ball and Mrs. 
Kate Lily Speck. 

"The ushers were B. A. Baumann, C. E. Ter- 
rill, T. C. Thorpe, L. A. Osgood and V. S. Paes- 
sler. Mrs. L. A. Osgood, Mrs. Charles A. Ball, 
Mrs. C. E. Hathaway and Mrs. C. E. Terrill pre- 
sided at the refreshment table. 55 

PASTORAL RELATIONS FORMALLY 
DISSOLVED 

At a special meeting of the Binghamton Pres- 
bytery, held at the West Presbyterian Church, 
Jan. 3, 1902, the request of the pastor and mem- 
bers of that church to dissolve the pastoral rela- 
tions between the church and Rev. Samuel Dun- 
ham was granted, and the action of the church in 
electing Mr. Dunham as "Pastor Emeritus 55 was 
approved. 

Rev. Selden L. Haynes of Hancock, the mod- 
erator of the Presbytery, presided, and Rev. D. 
N. Grummon acted as clerk. 



152 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 



The formal call to Rev. Edwin Forrest Hallen- 
beck was then presented and formally accepted 
by him. 

In severing the old relations and constituting 
the new ones between the church and Mr. Dur- 
ham, the Presbytery adopted the following 
minute : 

"The Presbytery of Binghamton, in session 
January 3, 1902, having received a request for 
the dissolution of the pastoral relation existing 
between the Rev. Samuel Dunham and the West 
Church of Binghamton, coupled with the further 
request of the said church that the Presbytery ap- 
prove their action in electing Rev. Samuel Dun- 
ham pastor emeritus, and having listened to and 
considered the statements of the parties in inter- 
est, hereby grants both requests. 

"In doing so the Presbytery expresses its ap- 
preciation of the thoughtful and kindly manner 
evinced on the part of both pastor and people in 
which this action has been brought about. 

"Closing with the utmost good feeling an un- 
usually long pastorate, twenty-nine years, the 
Presbytery points to this as an illustration of the 
wisdom of our policy in enjoining the installment 
of a minister, and commends it as an object lesson 
to other churches. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 153 

"The Presbytery also expresses its high appre- 
ciation of the work of the Rev. Samuel Dunham, 
of his ministerial ability, faithful service, and self- 
sacrificing spirit. The congregation fostered and 
cared for by him during all these years, and 
brought to its present material and spiritual pros- 
perity, attests the character of his labors. 

"Whatever in God's providence he may be per- 
mitted to do in the future, he may be assured of 
the good wishes and prayers of this body both for 
himself and his." 

INSTALLATION OF DR. HALLENBECK 

In the evening of the same day (Jan. 3, 1902), 
the Rev. Edwin Forrest Hallenbeck, of Albany, 
was formally installed as Mr. Dunham's suc- 
cessor. 

The music was a pleasing feature of the exer- 
cises, and the services were impressive. 

The Rev. Selden L. Haynes, of Hancock, 
moderator of Presbytery, presided and propounded 
the constitutional questions. Rev. Dr. G. Par- 
sons Nichols, of the First Presbyterian Church, 
preached the sermon from the text found in Mat- 
thew 16:25. 

Rev. Samuel Dunham, the retiring pastor, of- 
fered the prayer of installation. 



154 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

The charge to the pastor was delivered by Rev„ 
Dr. A. Cameron McKenzie, president of Elmira 
College, and the charge to the people by Rev. Dr. 
John McVey, pastor of the North Presbyterian 
Church. 

Following the benediction by the newly in- 
stalled pastor, many members of the church and 
congregation came forward and extended to him 
cordial greetings and the hand of fellowship. 

Dr. Hallenbeck entered at once upon the du- 
ties of his office with great zeal and earnestness, 
in the full prime of his powers, preaching the old 
truths with all the power of conviction. 

His temper, training and equipment especially 
fitted him for evangelistic efforts. The six years 
of his pastorate may be characterized as a period 
of aggressive evangelism. Not only did he, on 
several occasions, conduct a series of evangelistic 
meetings in his own church, and assist in revival 
work in other cities, but he, also, frequently called 
to his aid some of the more prominent evangelists 
of the country. 

He was well versed in the Scriptures, and as 
a Bible teacher was safe, sound and conservative. 
His work was of a kind to stimulate Christian ac- 
tivity, to build stable Christian character, and to 
promote the spiritual welfare of the Church. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 155 



During the six years of his pastorate there were 
added to the church on confession of faith 227, 
and by letter 209, a total of 436. 

Within the same period there were removed by 
dismission 154, and by death 47, in all 201, show- 
ing a net gain of 235 members. 

But a better estimate of the results of his la- 
bors, and of the appreciation in which he was held 
by the people may be seen in the action taken by 
the officers and members of the church at the time 
of his retirement from the field in order to accept 
an invitation to become associate pastor of the 
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York. 

In view of this call the following minute was 
adopted by the officers of the church: 

"We, the elders, deacons and trustees of the 
West Presbyterian Church, knowing that a call 
to another field has been tendered our pastor, Dr. 
E. F. Hallenbeck, desire to express to him our 
sincere regret that such a thing has come to pass. 

"We know that the West Presbyterian Church 
and this city would sustain a very great loss should 
he accept this call. 

"His Godly life among us and his faithful 
teaching of God's word have been an inspiration 
to all for better living and better service for the 
Master. 



156 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

"We believe he is a man led of God, that he 
came to us in response to God's call, and, if God 
calls him away, who are we, that we should say- 
nay? And so, with bowed heads and saddened 
hearts, we say 'the will of God be done.' " 

DR. HALLENBECK RESIGNS. AN 
APPRECIATION 

A meeting of the congregation was held on 
Tuesday evening, Nov. 12, 1907, to take action 
upon Dr. Hallenbeck's resignation. At this 
meeting T. M. Greacen was chosen chairman and 
Irwin B. Parce clerk. 

After due consideration the resignation was ac- 
cepted, and W. O. Birdsall and C. F. Peck were 
elected commissioners to unite with the pastor in 
an application to Binghamton Presbytery for the 
dissolution of the pastoral relation. 

The following minutes were adopted: 

MINUTES ADOPTED BY CHURCH. 

'Tn view of the near approach of the departure 
of our pastor, Rev. Edwin Forrest Hallenbeck, 
D. D., for a new field of labor, in New York City> 
we, the officers and members of the West Presby- 
terian Church and congregation, of Binghamton, 
N. Y., hereby desire to express our appreciation 
of his life and service among us. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 157 

"During the stay of Dr. Hallenbeck among us, 
our church has made marked progress in all ma- 
terial ways. Coming to us at a time when we 
were making strenuous efforts to firmly establish 
ourselves in a new and vastly improved church 
home, he bravely put his shoulder under ours and 
from that time to this he has borne his part of 
the load incurred by this great undertaking. 

"We have largely increased our contributions 
for benevolent and charitable purposes, in great 
measure, through the earnest endeavor of our pas- 
tor. 

"The membership of our church has been con- 
stantly growing under his faithful, earnest minis- 
tration. 

"He has put his whole soul into the work of 
the Sunday school and the different branches of 
the Young People's Endeavor. These organiza- 
tions have always received his untiring support 
and have felt the strong impulse of his kindly, 
efficient, Christian influence. 

"There is no department of our church work 
which has not been fostered and built up by his 
thoughtful and energetic watchcare. 

"It is in the deeper spiritual life of the church, 
however, that we have seen the most important 
advancement. Under the ministry of Dr. Hal- 



158 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

lenbeck there has been a growth in soul life, which 
has made the West Presbyterian Church a tower 
of strength, not only in the civic religious life of 
this city, but throughout this entire country-side. 
His clear presentation of the Word of God, from 
Sabbath to Sabbath, has been a source of inspira- 
tion to all ; and this inspiration has not been a 
thing of the passing moment, but it has gone into 
the making of better life and a surer faith on the 
part of all. No more sure index of this need be 
asked than the power which has been shown in 
the prayer meetings held by the church, and the 
strong work which has been done by the members 
of the church for the salvation of souls, both in 
Binghamton and elsewhere. In this regard we 
feel that we certainly have been blessed beyond 
measure ; and if there is any one thing for which 
we are thankful at this time, when our hearts are 
so tender at the thought of parting from our dear 
friend and brother in Christ, it is that we have 
been permitted to have this strong and uplifting 
teaching of the Word from our pulpit. We re- 
joice that the people to whom God has called our 
pastor are to have this blessed service, knowing 
that it must work out for them wonderful things 
in the life of the church and the community into 
which he is to go. Thus we feel that we are 



The Life Story of Half a Century 159 



sharing, in no small way, in the blessed results of 
this work for which our church has always stood. 

C£ In all his labor-of-love, our pastor has had the 
hearty support and sympathy of his wife. Mrs. 
Hallenbeck has ever given herself, most devotedly 
and most untiringly to a glad service. She has 
never spared herself in any way; and her wise 
counsels have led us along many a path that would 
otherwise have been full of difficulty, in perfect 
safety. In the particular field that relates to the 
work of the women of our church, we have always 
found her to be earnest, wise and resourceful. 
Her life among us has been a blessing to us all. 
From the home they have maintained in our 
midst, a sweet fragrance has gone out that will 
last for all time. 

"For these reasons, the thought of this change 
which is to take place in our lives, comes to us as 
a heavy sorrow not to be adequately described. 
We all feel a sense of personal loss just at this 
time when so many blessings are coming to us in 
the revival services of the three united churches. 
Our resignation at this time comes from our be- 
lief that Dr. Hallenbeck is in no small degree a 
God-led man ; and we know that he believes him- 
self to be guided of God in deciding this action. 
We feel, therefore, that God surely has a wise 



160 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

purpose in view in calling him to this new field and 
this new work which lies so close to his heart. 
This thought leads us to stand almost in silence 
before the change so soon to take place in our 
church relation, our only feeling being one of 
praise and thanksgiving that we have had the 
privilege of enjoying the ministry of Dr. Hallen- 
beck and of happiness that the Father has hon- 
ored him with this large part in Christian service. 
And so, while we express our sorrow at this time, 
we nevertheless wish our pastor and those who are 
so dear to him, a hearty God-speed. May God's 
richest blessings rest upon him and his throughout 
all time! 

"It is our further desire that this testimonial 
be spread upon the minutes of this meeting and 
that a copy be sent to our pastor." 

DR. COLVILLE'S PASTORATE 

Dr. Hallenbeck's labors terminated on the first 
Sunday in December, 1907. 

During the following weeks the West church 
pulpit was supplied by a number of different min- 
isters, until, at length, a call to the pastorate was 
extended, Jan. 29, 1908, to Rev. George Murray 
Colville, D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian 



The Life Story of Half a Century 161 



Church, Racine, Wisconsin, and was by him ac- 
cepted. 

He had, in former years, enjoyed successful 
pastorates in two of the more important Meth- 
odist Episcopal Churches of Binghamton, the Tab- 
ernacle and the Centenary Churches, and was well 
known and beloved by many of the people of the 
city. The thought of his return to Binghamton 
was hailed with pleasure, and, from the first an- 
nouncement, a cordial welcome awaited him. 

Dr. Colville was formally installed as the third 
pastor of the West Presbyterian Church on the 
evening of April 30, 1908, Rev. Mr. Dunham, 
pastor emeritus and moderator of Binghamton 
Presbytery, presiding. The church was filled to 
its full capacity, and the services were of a deeply 
impressive character. 

The musical programme, in charge of Mrs. 
Emily Wood Bower, the organist, was elaborate 
and especially attractive. The Scripture lesson 
was read by Rev. Lincoln A. Ferris, of the Taber- 
nacle M. E. Church, and Rev. F. O. Belden, of 
the Main Street Baptist Church, offered the open- 
ing prayer. The sermon was delivered by Rev. 
Dr. Hallenbeck, of New York, from the text 
found in Esther 4:14. Following the constitu- 



162 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

tional questions by the moderator, the prayer of 
installation was offered by Rev. John J. Law- 
rence, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. 
Rev. Dr. John McVey, pastor emeritus of the 
North Presbyterian Church, gave the charge to 
the pastor, and Rev. Samuel Dunham the charge 
to the people. The services were concluded with 
the "Hallelujah Chorus," and the benediction by 
the newly installed pastor. 

Thus auspiciously began a pastorate from 
which was confidently anticipated a large meas- 
ure of success. And so it has proved. Looking 
back over the years of its continuance it is evident 
that God has crowned Dr. Colville's ministry 
with the rich tokens of His favor, and that his 
earnest and strenuous and oftentimes exhausting 
labors in connection with the West Church 
have proved exceedingly fruitful, and have been 
abundantly blessed of the Lord. During the six 
years of his pastorate 345 persons were added to 
the church, of whom 139 were received on con- 
fession of faith and 206 by letter. Within the 
same time 152 were removed by dismission and 
66 by death, a total of 218, showing a net gain 
of 127. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 163 



DR. COLVILLE'S LETTER OF RESIGNATION. 
A DESERVED TRIBUTE. 

"My Beloved People: 

"The most difficult task that has fallen to me 
since coming among you is mine to-day in tender- 
ing to you my resignation as minister of this 
church, to take effect January l, 1914. 

"For nearly six years I have gone out and in 
among you as pastor, but that sacred relation, in 
God's providence, must soon cease. My sense of 
personal loss will not be possible to express. It 
has been a joy to live and labor in beautiful Bing- 
hamton for fifteen years, but the tie that has 
bound us together has been one of especial and 
peculiar sympathy. To serve you in the church, 
to bury your dead, to unite husband and wife, to 
baptize your children, to welcome you to the table 
of the Lord, to be one with you in joy and in 
sorrow, these things form an attachment not to 
be lightly broken. Nor will it be. God willing, 
my future home will not be far away and this 
church will ever be in my heart, and the faces of 
its beloved people will always be a welcome sight. 
Only the strong belief that another man, stronger 
and more able, sent of God, will do more efficient 
work for the West Church than I can possibly do, 
makes necessary this separation. 



164 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

"More than a year ago this belief was borne 
in upon me after long consideration and much 
prayer, and only the natural shrinking from such 
an act, has led me to postpone the inevitable until 
now. Seven months since I intimated to the 
church Session that I would have to resign from 
the active duties of the pastorate, as the cares and 
burdens of such a large parish were too great for 
me to carry much longer. At the earnest solicita- 
tion of these wise and godly men, I determined to 
go on with the work until the Autumn, when the 
church would be in better running order after the 
respite of the Summer months. During these 
months I tried to believe that our tender relations 
might go on for another year or more, but I am 
admonished by clear signs and a certain knowl- 
edge, if I am to have a period of freedom from 
the increasing, crowding duties of the work, I 
must heed the signs and accept the incontestable 
now, hard though it be. 

"Respecting my work here no one is more con- 
scious of its faults and its failures than myself. 
Many as these have been you have patiently en- 
dured them, and have lovingly thrown over them 
the mantle of charity. Not only have you been 
blind to my faults but you have been open-eyed 
to what some might call my virtues. Your many 



The Life Story of Half a Century 165 



words of appreciation, your letters of commenda- 
tion, and your many generous, unostentatious 
deeds have often cheered my heart and strength- 
ened my hands for better service. Our Heavenly 
Father has smiled upon our united efforts and has 
made them bring forth some results to the honor 
of His name and to the good of men. To God be 
all the glory!" 

The resignation was accepted with deep regret 
on November 26th, 1913, and the pastoral rela- 
tion was reluctantly dissolved by act of Presby- 
tery December 22, 1913, with the understanding 
that Dr. Colville would continue his services until 
the close of January. 

At this special meeting of Presbytery Theodore 
C. Thorpe represented the session of the church 
and C. F. Peck the trustees. 

The final services were held on Sunday, Jan- 
uary 25, 1914, on which occasion the following 
deserved tribute, prepared by a committee con- 
sisting of Edgar L. Vincent, George Fowler and 
B. R. Brigham, was adopted by the congregation : 

"For six years Doctor Colville has gone in and 
out as our pastor. These have been happy, pros- 
perous and fruitful years. The indebtedness of 



166 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

the church has been steadily decreased. The spir- 
itual life of the church has been deepened and 
broadened. No communion service has gone by, 
that we now recollect, when there have not been 
accessions to the membership of this body. 

"During all these years, the gospel has been 
preached in its purity, simplicity and power. Not 
one doubtful word has been spoken, not one dis- 
cordant note struck, not one questionable theory 
advanced. From the sacred desk the message of 
salvation through the Christ of Calvary has rung 
out, Sabbath after Sabbath, clear, strong, decisive, 
winning and wooing the lost, bringing courage to 
the fainting in spirit and hope to those who have 
been weary on life's way. 

"Of the service of Doctor Colville as teacher 
of the Westminster Class of men, no word needs 
be spoken. It will live in the memory of those 
who have sat under his teaching. Its influence 
will last through all time and over into eternity. 
The same earnest note has ever been sounded out 
in the prayer circle and at every meeting of the 
Christian Endeavor societies. 

"In his pastoral work Doctor Colville has been 
most untiring and to it not a little of his success 
has been due. No night so dark, no storm so 
pitiless that he has not been ready to respond to 



The Life Story of Half a Century 167 



the call for help, even when it was at the cost of 
personal comfort and often when accompanied by 
severe bodily pain. The quality of sympathy for 
every human need has been beautifully exemplified 
by this side of our pastor's life. And with this 
tenderness there has always been a manliness that 
has stood four-square in every spot and place. 
Doctor Colville has dodged no hard duty or kept 
silence when a question of right and wrong was at 
issue. 

"In all his work among us Doctor Colville had 
the whole-hearted support of his sainted wife as 
long as she was with us. By her sweet and gen- 
tle disposition she was a help and a blessing to 
every one who came in contact with her; and many 
were brought to the Saviour through the beauty 
and the simplicity of her life and the loveliness 
which unconsciously radiated from her. The 
hearty cooperation of the daughters, too, has 
strengthened the hold of the family upon us. 
Since the calling away of the mother they have 
bravely and loyally taken up the work she laid 
down and carried it forward in a most gracious 
spirit. So that through these years the West 
Church has stood a tower of strength and bless- 
ing, not only to the West Side but to the entire 
city and country round about; for Doctor Col- 



168 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

ville's service has overflowed and made him a 
benison to the whole life of Binghamton and the 
surrounding country. 

4 'Now, therefore, since the time has come when 
the relations existing between Doctor Colville and 
this people must be broken, 

' 'Resolved, That we hereby express our deep 
sense of loss at parting from him and his dear 
ones. 

"Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be 
presented to Doctor Colville and that the same be 
spread upon the minutes of the records of this 
church and ordered printed in the daily papers of 
this city.' 5 

REV. MR. McCORMICK CALLED AND 
REGULARLY INSTALLED 

On February nth, 1914, just as the West 
Church was closing the forty-first year of its his- 
tory, Rev. Arthur Burd McCormick, pastor of the 
Central Presbyterian Church, New Castle, Pa., 
received, and later accepted, a call to succeed Dr. 
Colville in the pastorate. 

He was duly installed on the evening of Thurs- 
day, May 7, 1914, Rev. Paul R. Hoppe, of Mc- 
Graw, moderator of the Presbytery, presiding. 
Rev. Robert L. Clark, pastor of the Tabernacle 



The Life Story of Half a Century 169 



Methodist Episcopal Church, offered the opening 
prayer. 

The sermon was delivered by Rev. C. Waldo 
Cherry, D. D., of Central Presbyterian Church, 
Rochester, N. Y. Following the Constitutional 
Questions and the Installation Vows, the prayer 
of installation was made by Rev. Samuel Dun- 
ham, pastor emeritus of the West Church and pas- 
tor of the Floral Avenue Church. 

Rev. Daniel N. Grummon, of Ross Memorial 
Church, gave the charge to the pastor, and Rev. 
Alvin C. Sawtelle, of the North Church, the 
charge to the people. 

At the close of the services the newly installed 
pastor received the cordial greetings of the officers 
and members of the congregation. 

Mr. McCormick was bora in Mercer, Pa., and 
is the son of William A. McCormick, an attorney 
and veteran of the Civil War. He was educated 
in Mercer High School, Westminster College, 
New Wilmington, Pa., and Western Theological 
Seminary, Pittsburgh, Pa. 

He comes from successful pastorates at North 
Warren and New Castle, Pa., and is a strong, 
earnest and attractive preacher. He comes to a 
splendid field that is full of promise, the church 
long since having passed the period of its severest 



170 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

struggles, and having become established upon a 
solid basis, with every prospect of unlimited 
growth and development. 

Brother McCormick is to be heartily congratu- 
lated upon having "come to the kingdom for such 
a time as this, 55 when all the conditions and indi- 
cations are such as to point to a period of marked 
prosperity. 

In the full prime of his manhood he takes up 
the work as the fourth pastor of a church that 
looks back gratefully upon forty-one years of 
steady, stable growth, and hopefully forward to 
many uncounted years of progress and abundant 
fruitfulness. 

MR. DUNHAM'S CONTINUOUS LABORS 

Meanwhile as "Pastor Emeritus, 55 Mr. Dunham 
has continued, almost without interruption, to 
preach in many pulpits of the city and elsewhere 
in the churches of this vicinity, besides meeting 
numerous demands from his old parish. From 
the day of his retirement from the West Church 
pastorate he has found little time to be idle. 

For six months he acted as supply for the Con- 
gregational Church of Newark Valley, N. Y., dur- 
ing the absence of the pastor, Rev. B. B. Knapp, 
in the West Indies in quest of health. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 171 



He has had the privilege of tiding over various 
churches during brief intervals of vacancy until 
they could secure the services of a regular pastor, 
and has had repeated assurances that the service 
thus rendered to the churches has been highly ap- 
preciated. 

For four years or more it appeared to be his 
special mission to try and unite and strengthen 
the brethren, and to encourage and help the weaker 
churches. He counts this period among the really 
serviceable and useful years of his ministry. 

CALLED TO FLORAL AVENUE CHURCH 

His labors as acting pastor of the Floral Ave- 
nue Presbyterian Church, Binghamton, began 
June 1st, 1906. After laboring for ten months 
in that capacity a unanimous call was extended 
inviting him to become their pastor, Dr. John Mc- 
Vey acting as moderator of the meeting. 

The call was formally issued the 31st day of 
March, 1907. To which, on April 7, the follow- 
ing reply was made : 

"To the Floral Avenue Presbyterian Church and 

Congregation of Binghamton. 

"Beloved Brethren: Your unanimous call 
for my pastoral services has been formally laid 



172 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

before me, and has received my most conscientious 
and prayerful consideration. 

"With undivided heart and with perfect una- 
nimity of action, and, apparently, with the utmost 
good feeling and affection, you have invited me to 
assume one of the most tender and sacred of all 
human relationships. 

"Ever since, some five years ago, I laid down my 
happy pastorate of nearly 30 years' duration in the 
West Presbyterian Church, this city, the entrance 
again upon full pastoral duties has been far from 
my thought. 

"But this cordial expression of your continued 
confidence and esteem, after these ten months of 
continuous labor amongst you, has deeply touched 
my heart, and is, I assure you, sincerely appre- 
ciated. 

"Considering all the circumstances I can hardly 
view your call in any other light than as a clear 
and emphatic call of God which I am at liberty 
neither to ignore nor refuse. 

"I hereby signify, therefore, my glad and hearty 
acceptance of your call, humbly invoking upon my 
decision the signal blessing and gracious favor of 
the Great Head of the Church. I shall always 
count it a pleasant memory that your call was is- 
sued amid the rejoicing of our Easter Sunday, and 



The Life Story of Half a Century 173 



accepted amid the joy and gladness of our great 
memorial feast at the Lord's table. 

"From this day forward, so long as this pas- 
toral relation exists, I shall endeavor to serve you 
to the best of my ability. It shall be my con- 
stant aim to promote your interests in every way 
and by every means in my power. In this — since 
the relation is a purely mutual one — it is but rea- 
sonable that I should expect the most thorough 
and constant cooperation, assistance and support 
of all the people. Otherwise our hopes will be 
frustrated, and the best results rendered impossi- 
ble. 

"This field, I am well aware, does not hold out 
any alluring prospect of ease and comfortable, 
restful leisure such as I had hoped some time to 
enjoy; but it does plainly offer the higher and 
nobler attraction of plenty of hard work, and the 
necessity of persistent, painstaking effort, and 
opens up to me the vision of large possibilities of 
usefulness in labor for your highest welfare. 

"So, brethren, I meet your summons with 
courageous, hopeful spirit, and with a response as 
full and free, as cordial and genuine as that with 
which your invitation has been extended to me. 

"With wise administration and management, 
and a generous, unstinted use of the means at our 



174 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

disposal, with unwavering faith in God, and firm, 
steadfast loyalty to Christ and His revealed word 
and truth; with unfaltering courage and hope, and 
with a never ceasing, ever present sense of com- 
plete dependence upon the power of the Holy 
Spirit, coupled always with a truly brotherly, help- 
ful, harmonious spirit, and the earnest coopera- 
tion and undivided effort of every individual mem- 
ber of the church and congregation, we may as- 
suredly expect and confidently look for the rapid 
and substantial growth, enlargement and increas- 
ing strength and prosperity of this younger 
member of the sisterhood of Binghamton's 
churches. 

" 'With malice toward none, with charity for 
all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to 
see the right'; with an ever upward look and a 
determined purpose that nothing can ever daunt, 
let us give to God the very best that is in us, and 
enter at once here upon a simultaneous forward 
movement for the winning of souls, the seeking 
and reclaiming of the erring, the instruction and 
training of the children and youth, the edification 
and comfort of one another, the welcoming of new 
comers and strangers with the ever ready right 
hand of cordial greeting, the strengthening of the 
bonds of a loving Christian fellowship, and the 



The Life Story of Half a Century 175 



growth in grace of us all — c for as much as ye know- 
that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.' 

"Faithfully yours, 

"Samuel Dunham. 
"35 North Street, Binghamton, April 7, 1907." 

THE FLORAL AVENUE PASTORATE AND 
THIRD TRIP ABROAD 

From the first God has greatly prospered our 
undertaking, resulting in a number of valuable 
improvements, a marked advance in the offerings 
for benevolence, increased interest in missions and 
in various lines of religious activity, as well as a 
large increase in our church membership. 

The first year 59 persons were added to the 
church, the second year 40, and the third year 62, 
making an accession of 80 on confession and 81 by 
letter during the first three years. 

The growth has been continuous throughout the 
more than eight years of our pastorate. 

Notwithstanding the early division of our very 
limited field by the organization of a church of an- 
other denomination, in the same locality, there 
has been an average accession of about 40 members 
per year, so that in spite of heavy losses by death 
and dismission the membership during this pas- 
torate has risen from 191 to over 320. 



176 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

Within the same period a number of new and 
flourishing church organizations have been estab- 
lished, including among others the Junior Chris- 
tian Endeavor Society, the Ever Ready Circle 
of the King's Daughters, the Floralminster Bible 
Class for men and the Brotherhood. 

Several important additions and improvements 
have been made to the church property, among 
them the purchase of a parsonage, the replacing of 
the old chairs with handsome pews in the audi- 
torium, the construction of two convenient rooms 
in the basement (largely by the volunteer labor 
of the men of the church), the laying of hard- 
wood floors, enlarging of the pulpit platform, 
building an organ recess and the installation of a 
new organ. 

During the past year (1913) the church has as- 
sumed full self-support, the old mortgage has been 
satisfied and entirely wiped out through the gen- 
erosity of the Presbyterian Union, and the church 
property deeded to the Society free and clear of all 
incumbrance. 

Meanwhile in these last years the benevolent 
contributions of the church have been very largely 
in excess of those of any previous period of the 
church's history, having increased more than 900 
per cent, in the last eight years. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 177 

At the present time West End is experiencing 
a marked growth in population which promises 
much for the future of Floral Avenue Church. 

In the Summer of 1910 Mr. Dunham was 
granted a three months' leave of absence from his 
people, during which time, accompanied by Mrs. 
Dunham and a party of ten other ladies, he en- 
joyed his third tour abroad. 

Sailing from New York July 9th for Naples, 
we journeyed successively through Italy, Switzer- 
land, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Eng- 
land and Scotland, returning via Glasgow the last 
of September. 

The tour included the wonderful Passion Play 
at Oberammergau, and the most notable objects of 
interest in the many cities and countries visited. 

In May, 1912, the twentieth anniversary of 
Floral Avenue Church was celebrated with fitting 
services. 

The occasion was one of deep interest. Rev. 
Albert W. Allen, of Syracuse, Mr. Dunham's im- 
mediate predecessor for a brief period, preached 
an appropriate sermon on the Sabbath preceding 
the anniversary, and on the following evening a 
reunion of the members and friends of the church 
was held. Letters from former pastors unable to 
be present were read. Congratulatory addresses 



178 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

were given by several of the city clergy, and a care- 
fully prepared historical sketch was, by request, 
presented by Mr. G. M. T. Johnson, one of the 
oldest of the surviving original members of the 
church. 

This interesting sketch was in continuation of a 
report given by Mr. Johnson at the tenth anni- 
versary in May, 1902 (see Appendix at the end of 
this volume). 

FIFTY YEARS IN THE MINISTRY 

Easter Sunday, April 12, 1914, marked the 
seventh anniversary of Mr. Dunham's formal call 
to assume the full pastoral care of Floral Ave- 
nue Church. He took that occasion to announce 
to the congregation that the fiftieth anniversary 
of his ordination to the Christian ministry would 
occur on October 4, 1914, and that it was his in- 
tention at that time to present his resignation and 
retire from the pastorate after a full half century 
of continuous and unbroken service in the sacred 
office as a minister of the Gospel. 

It has been for him a half century of strenuous 
labors, of incessant activity, of manifold diversi- 
fied experiences, of steadily deepening convictions 
and ever widening vision ; of sorrows and trials in 
full measure, but sweetened and happily overbal- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 179 

anced by a countless multitude of compensating 
blessings. In the world at large it has been a 
period of prodigious energy and progress, a half 
century of miracles and marvels. 

But, as we cast our eyes backward over the van- 
ished years to the days of our young manhood, 
scarcely less a marvel and a mystery seems the way 
in which the Lord hath graciously led us. To 
Him be all the glory ! 

ACTIVITIES NOT LIMITED TO HIS OWN 
PARISH 

In the Providence of God our personal activities 
have, by no means, been confined to the narrow 
limits of our own parish. Many responsible du- 
ties outside those limits have been thrust upon us. 
The "Biographical Record of the Class of i860," 
of Yale University, contains among other things 
these statements relative to the author of these 
pages: ' 'Member of the board of trustees of the 
Binghamton Presbyterian Union since 1890, and 
of the board of trustees of Binghamton Presbytery 
for about the same period. For thirty years treas- 
urer of Binghamton Presbytery. The first presi- 
dent of the New England Society of Binghamton. 
Secretary of the City Ministerial Association for 
the last forty years, still in office, and for ten years 



180 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

its treasurer also. For ten years secretary of the 
Broome County Bible Society. Member of the 
Broome County Historical Society, and of the 
National Geographic Society, Director of the 
Broome County Humane Society, commissioner to 
Auburn Theological Seminary, synodical visitor to 
Union Theological Seminary, member of the ex- 
ecutive committee of the New York State Chris- 
tian Endeavor Union, eighteen years on the board 
of examiners of Elmira College (by appointment 
of the Synod of the State), President of the State 
Sabbath Convention, held at Bingham ton in 1890, 
that organized "The New York State Sabbath 
Association," representing fourteen different de- 
nominations, and Auxiliary to the Lord's Day 
Alliance of the United States, commissioner to the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 
the United States of America at Cleveland, Sara- 
toga, Minneapolis, New York City, Winona Lake, 
Ind., Los Angeles, etc. 

Following the meeting of the General Assembly 
at Minneapolis in 1886 we joined with about a 
hundred and fifty commissioners in a most inter- 
esting Home Missionary excursion along the beau- 
tiful lakes of Minnesota and among the magnifi- 
cent, seemingly interminable wheat fields of the 



The Life Story of Half a Century 181 



Dakotas, visiting all the Home Mission stations 
on the route, and receiving at many points wel- 
comes with brass bands, carriages, speeches, colla- 
tions, ovations and every sort of token of appre- 
ciation throughout our journeys all the way to the 
then extreme northern limit of travel at "Devil's 
Lake," North Dakota, Fort Totten and the In- 
dian Reservation. It was a tour not soon to be 
forgotten, and well worthy of a place among some 
of our happiest recollections. 

Some years later, with a party of business men 
from another city, we made a somewhat unique 
and unusual trip on a special mission down to New 
Mexico as far as Silver City, and thence some 
eighty-five miles by carriages up, up, up into the 
Mogollon mountains, the mining district of that 
country. 

On this tour we learned something about schools 
and churches and social and political conditions, 
and about agricultural possibilities, but more 
about mines, miners and mining camps, about cow- 
boys, ranches, rough roads, rocks, rough and peril- 
ous riding, ominous wash-outs, deep and dangerous 
gullies, and fording swollen, dashing streams with- 
out bridges. All this, added to our contact with a 
medley of Mexicans, Indians and a strangely 



182 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

mixed population, made things interesting, and 
served to fix our peculiar experiences well in mem- 
ory. 

Mr. Dunham has also been often called to 
preach and take other parts at ordinations, instal- 
lations, dedications and numerous other public oc- 
casions, as well as to give lectures on his travels 
or other themes before various bodies in many 
places. 

He has made two trips across the continent. 
One in the Summer of 1897, when, in company 
with John R. Clements, Mr. and Mrs. Albert B. 
Brown and Benjamin A. Baumann of Bingham- 
ton, and a host of prominent Endeavorers from 
different parts of the State, he went to attend the 
great International Christian Endeavor Conven- 
tion at San Francisco, spending a Sunday at Salt 
Lake City and attending a monster meeting in the 
big Tabernacle on their outward journey, and re- 
turning by way of Portland, Seattle and Yellow 
Stone Park. 

He crossed the continent again in 1903 with 
Mrs. Dunham, Rev. Daniel N. Grummon, a fel- 
low commissioner, Miss Mary E. Edgerton (now 
Mrs. Grummon) and a number of Philadelphia 
friends, to attend the sessions of the General As- 
sembly at Los Angeles. 



The Life Story of Half a Century 183 



The journey thither took us through Albu- 
querque, New Mexico, where we spent an ever to 
be remembered Sabbath, returning via Salt Lake 
City, Pike's Peak, the "Garden of the Gods," and 
the thrilling scenery of the Rockies contrasting 
with the sacred quiet of a beautiful Sunday in the 
city of Denver. 

The "Biographical Record" referred to also 
names among Mr. Dunham's publications the fol- 
lowing : 

"An Historical Discourse Delivered at West 
Brookfield, Mass., on the Occasion of the One 
Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the First 
Church in Brookfield," and other historical papers. 

Address at the "One Hundred and Fiftieth An- 
niversary of the First Congregational Society, 
Southington, Conn.," included in the volume (pp. 
845) of "Sketches of Southington." 

Contributions to a volume in memory of Mrs. 
Henry L. Clapp, of New York City. 

"The Nation's Tears," a sermon in memory of 
President Garfield. 

"In Memoriam, Mrs. William R. Black," who 
died in Edinburgh, Scotland. 

"In Memoriam, Mrs. Samuel Dunham." 

"Retrospect of a Happy Ministry" (in course 
of preparation), including the History of the West 



184 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

Presbyterian Church, Binghamton, N. Y., from 
its organization in 1873. 

FINAL RETROSPECT AND REFLECTIONS 

In the larger retrospect, now, of the whole 
period of my ministry, after minutely surveying 
all these many years of peculiar blessing, the dom- 
inant sentiment of my heart is one of sincere grat- 
itude to God. Reviewing the precious past, look- 
ing back over all the way in which the Lord hath 
led me, how can I be other than deeply thankful? 
I am grateful to God for the preciousness of the 
message with which He has entrusted me. 

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord for putting me 
into the ministry in this particular day and age, 
that it has been my great privilege to preach "the 
glorious Gospel of the blessed God" in the clos- 
ing decades of the nineteenth century and in the 
opening years of the twentieth. 

Devoutly thankful am I, also, that it has been 
given me to exercise my ministry in this best of 
all lands, and so large a part of it in this most 
beautiful city. 

Further abundant reason have I to thank the 
good Lord that my lot as a pastor has been cast 
for so many years among a loyal and loving peo- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 185 



pie, whose numberless kindnesses can never be for- 
gotten. 

By no means least among the many occasions 
for thanksgiving in this review, are the precious 
results by God's blessing achieved during all these 
years of strenuous labor, results visible and results 
invisible. 

The church to which many of the best years of 
my life have been devoted, has enjoyed many sea- 
sons of spiritual refreshing, and the membership 
has steadily advanced from year to year. 

In several instances the annual accessions have 
been encouragingly large, — as many as 45, 46, 
57, 74, 87, 98, 108, and 120 in a single year. 

In all the twenty-nine years of my pastorate 
over the West Church, very few communion sea- 
sons have passed without a number of additions to 
the membership. 

WHAT MEANTIME HAS TRANSPIRED IN 
THE WORLD ABOUT US? 

We have little need to enlarge upon what has 
been going on around us all these years, — how the 
city's population has quadrupled in numbers; how 
churches and Sunday schools and humane and 
charitable institutions have multiplied on all 
sides; how the pastors of all the city churches, 



186 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

and of all the churches of Binghamton Presby- 
tery, and most of those of the State, have come 
and gone, how a long line of leading citizens, in- 
cluding men and women prominent in the 
churches, have passed away and given place to 
a new and younger generation; how the children 
of a generation ago have grown to manhood and 
womanhood, and how men, then in their prime, 
are beginning to stoop with age; how change has 
followed swiftly upon change in our homes, in 
the community, in our country and throughout the 
whole world. 

Science, invention, discovery never made more 
rapid strides than during the period covered by 
this review. It has been a period marked by the 
rise and fall of nations, radical revolutions and 
governmental changes, as in Mexico, South Amer- 
ica, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, 
Japan, China, Korea, Russia, Turkey, Persia, not 
to speak of the vast expansion, the newly acquired 
possessions, and wholly changed conditions and 
relations in our own country since the close of the 
Civil War. Public sentiment has materially 
changed, and improved legislation has followed in 
its wake. 

The humanities and the charities have kept pace 



The Life Story of Half a Century 187 



with the general progress, and numerous beneficent 
institutions of all sorts have sprung up as if by 
magic. The wealth of the United States has been 
vastly increased in an incredibly short time. 

A multitude of institutions of learning have 
arisen, many of which have been endowed with 
the princely fortunes of millionaires. Poor, 
struggling colleges have grown into great, richly 
endowed universities. 

The tides of immigration have been setting with 
ever increasing volume towards America, and for- 
eign immigrants by the million have found refuge 
and homes on our shores. 

Modern missions date their principal advances 
and nearly all of their more notable triumphs 
within the few decades embraced in our retros- 
pect. 

The great, comprehensive missionary operations 
of this day, both Home and Foreign, have reached 
gigantic proportions, which are the promise and 
prophecy of yet more splendid victories for Christ 
in the near future. 

Easily within our memory the temperance cause 
has made tremendous progress. Wave after wave 
of temperance reform, under different auspices 
with widely differing methods and in a variety of 



188 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

forms, has swept over the land, until now the 
bright dawn of " rosy-fingered morning" begins to 
flush the eastern sky. 

The Peace Movement, too, in the last genera- 
tion, has assumed wide-spread and far-reaching 
importance. An increasingly strong anti-war sen- 
timent is rapidly spreading throughout the nations 
of the earth. And, in our judgment, this senti- 
ment is bound to take yet deeper, more wide- 
spread and permanent root in the hearts of the 
people before the close of the present barbaric 
death-struggle between the warring powers of 
Europe. This last brutal, revolting and deplor- 
able exhibition (August, 1914) of human nature 
at its worst will be likely to prove one of the 
mightiest arguments yet produced for the hasten- 
ing on of that day when wars shall "Cease unto 
the end of the earth," when "Nation shall not lift 
up sword against nation, neither shall they learn 
war any more." 

All these things — these marked changes, move- 
ments, advances, moral and Christian triumphs, 
the splendid fruit of the glorious Gospel of Christ, 
— in behalf of humanity and in the interest of 
"the Prince of Peace," manifestly betoken the ap- 
proach of the time when Christian unity and 
church federation shall be not merely a pleasant 



The Life Story of Half a Century 189 



dream, but when the Savior's fervent prayer "that 
they all may be one" shall become a blessed re- 
ality throughout all the realms of Christendom; 
giving brightest promise, also, of that coming day 
when — 

"The whole round world is every way 

Bound by gold chains about the feet of God." 

Surely we have great reason to rejoice and to 
thank God for all healthful progress made, both 
in the church and throughout the community and 
the world. 

"The Lord hath done great things for us, 
whereof we are glad." Well may we in these 
brighter days "Enter into his gates with thanks- 
giving, and into his courts with praise." Well 
may we "be thankful unto him, and bless his 
name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is ever- 
lasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." 

Our work is done, well or ill, and the completer 
record is on high. Little did any of us think, 
when we were planting that humble little vine in 
yonder consecrated soil, in the bleak and stormy 
Winter of 1873, our toils, and prayers and 
tears and lives would flow on thus together for 
more than a third of a century. 

"Man proposes; God disposes." And as we 



190 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

turn our eyes backward over the sometimes rough 
path we have traversed, how clearly visible is the 
hand that has guided us all the way ! 

Let us hope that our "day of small things" is 
passed, and that there lie before us years of larger 
plans, of richer increase, of sweeter fruitage, of 
far nobler achievement in all that pertains to the 
Kingdom of Christ on earth. 

VOLUMES OF UNWRITTEN HISTORY 
LOCKED UP IN THE SECRET 
HEART OF THE YEARS 

But we may not linger longer in the realm of 
reminiscence, whether pleasant or sad. What lies 
ahead? What is the record yonder? It is little 
of our real history that admits of earthly registry. 

We may glance back over these years that have 
flown so swiftly and trace with pen a few leading 
events. But there remains still locked up in the 
secret heart of these years an unwritten history of 
multitudinous thoughts; an unwritten history of 
varied and mingled emotions; an unwritten his- 
tory of diverse purposes and motives and secret 
resolves; an unwritten history of individual speech 
and act, which can never go upon any human rec- 
ord. 

There is a whole undiscovered world of heart- 



The Life Story of Half a Century 191 

history lying back in these years, which will never 
have a chronicler. There is a history of mutual, 
tender affection between pastor and people, and 
between the pastor's family and the families of 
the people, which will never find a place in any 
memorandum book, and which never can be writ- 
ten out in any annals. There is a holy history of 
love and grief, of prayer and conflict, of tempta- 
tion and struggle, of moral defeat and moral vic- 
tory, at once too sacred, and too deeply embedded 
within the individual breast, ever to be revealed 
to mortal gaze. 

But, remember, these volumes of unwritten his- 
tory are, by no means, lost. All these unrecorded 
thoughts, words, deeds, feelings, motives, pur- 
poses, loves, hates, hopes and fears, joys and sor- 
rows, battles and triumphs, are forever embalmed 
and preserved; for they have all gone irrevocably 
into our own individual characters; they have 
been all absorbed in our personal manhood, there 
to remain until the books are opened out of which 
we are to be judged. 

It is of inconceivably greater concern, therefore, 
for us to inquire what this unwritten, yet in- 
delible, record has been, rather than that we should 
seek to know what is merely outward and visible. 

By far the larger part of all the outcome of 



192 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

our religious effort is of that intangible sort which 
admits of no human measurement. 

You can number the successive layers that pre- 
cisely indicate the yearly growth of a tree. But 
you can never thus accurately mark the stages in 
the advance of a Christian church, or count the 
concentric circles in the development of a man's 
character. 

In the life of a true Church of Christ there are 
multitudes of effects, impressions, impulses, as- 
pirations, struggles, victories, in the estimate of 
which arithmetic yields no help. For they are 
processes or results in a sphere where no figures 
can ever compute them. Without doubt, the very 
best of all the fruits of the Christian ministry, and, 
indeed, of all Christian labor, are just those which 
will never, in this world, be weighed, measured or 
enumerated, and which are in danger even of elud- 
ing notice, and escaping recognition altogether. 

For a right valuation of such toil and its results 
we must be content to wait till we shall reach the 
end of an infinite series of causes and effects, or, 
at least, till the completed record shall be submit- 
ted to the all-searching scrutiny of Him who 
knows even "the thoughts and intents of the 
heart." The whole moral influence of a church, 
or of any individual disciple, can no more be 



The Life Story of Half a Century 193 



measured than you can "bind the sweet influences 
of the Pleiades," or bottle up a sunbeam, or weigh 
the fragrance of a rose. 

More than one thousand years ago the mortar 
used in the construction of the Church of St. 
Sophia in Constantinople was charged with musk, 
and the perfume, it is said, permeates the build- 
ing to this day. 

Such is the enduring fragrance of a good deed. 
Such is the self-perpetuating power of Christian 
example, — the abiding, everlasting, ever-diffusive 
influence of moral goodness. 

By far the richest portion of all these years of 
our history still remains unwritten. But it will, 
nevertheless, be found, for years and generations 
to come, upon the soiled or unsoiled pages of many 
a life, or stamped yet more ineffaceably upon the 
invisible structure of character. 

"CHRIST LIVES. FORWARD !" 

As we look back, therefore, over the by-gone 
years, it may be with tearful eyes and sorrowing 
hearts, when we think of our imperfect, unsatis- 
factory lives, and behold the painful record of our 
failures. 

But let us give no place to despondency or fear. 
Rather, relying upon the grace of God, let us sol- 



194 Retrospect of a Happy Ministry 

emnly determine to make a better record in the 
days and years that may lie before us. When 
Frederick Barbarossa was leading his German cru- 
saders in the twelfth century on their march 
through Asia Minor to Jerusalem, he heard of the 
death of his son Henry. As the tears coursed 
down his silvery beard, he turned to his army and 
said, "My son is dead, but Christ lives. For- 
ward!" 

So to the members of our beloved church, the 
friends of many happy years, soldiers of a 
mightier Captain, crusaders in a holier warfare, to 
whom, possibly, the retrospect may bring only sor- 
row and sadness, we say, whatever your occasion 
for tears and regrets, and whatever friends or 
hopes you may have buried, "Christ lives. For- 
ward!" 

Cast a veil over the past and press on to higher, 
nobler things. 

"Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul, 

As the swift seasons roll; 

Leave thy low-vaulted past; 

Let each new temple, nobler than the last, 

Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast; 

Till thou at length art free, 

Leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea." 



HISTORY OF THE WEST PRESBYTERIAN 
SUNDAY SCHOOL 

THE FIRST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS PREPARED BY DR. GEORGE 
F. HAND, AND CONTINUED BY HON. EDGAR L. VINCENT 

The West Presbyterian Sabbath School of Bingham- 
ton, N. Y., was organized at the close of morning service 
in the chapel January 19, 1873. The pastor, Rev. Sam- 
uel Dunham, acted as chairman, and the following offi- 
cers were unanimously elected : 

Geo. F. Hand, Superintendent. 

Morgan L. Barnes, Assistant Superintendent. 

Henry T. Evans, Librarian. 

Jas. W. Manier, Secretary and Treasurer. 

Geo. F. Hand, Mary Osgood, M. L. Barnes, Library 
Committee. 

For a few years previous to the organization of this 
school a neighborhood Sunday school had been carried 
on by a number of those who afterward became connected 
with the West Church and who recognized the need of 
religious work in this portion of the town. Most of the 
time this school met at the residence of Mr. H. B. Osgood, 
No. 78 Dickinson Street. 

There were present at the organization of the school 
47 persons. There was a great abundance of excellent 
teaching material, and every one was eager to help along 
the new enterprise. So that on this first day twelve 
classes were organized, the majority of them containing 

197 



198 Appendix 



but two or three members each. At this time the Con- 
gregationalists had a flourishing school on this side of 
the river which was doing much active missionary work. 
There was also a Baptist mission school located on Oak 
Street, and the Methodists were just about organizing a 
large branch, which afterward became the Tabernacle 
Church. But although the west side of the river seemed 
abundantly supplied with Sunday schools and the West 
Church school contained very few children at the outset, 
yet it grew steadily and rapidly until at the close of the 
first year it showed an average attendance for the year 
of 104 and a total membership of 176. The total mem- 
bership, April 1, 1898, was 464, including the Home 
Department, 539, and the average attendance for the 
year 284. 

Dr. Geo. F. Hand served the school as superintendent 
until Jan. 1st, 1881, about eight years. 

Mr. H. J. Gay lord served in this capacity during 1881 
and 1882. 

Jan. 1st, 1883, David Murray, Esq., was chosen to the 
office of superintendent and acted as such about two 
years. 

Jan. 1st, 1885, Geo. F. Hand was again elected, 
and served for two years. 

Jan. 1st, 1887, Mr. H. J. Gaylord was again chosen 
and served one year. 

Jan. 1st, 1888, Mr. Thos. M. Greacen was elected and 
performed the duties of superintendent faithfully for 
three years. 

Jan. 1st, 1891, Mr. H. J. Gaylord was chosen for the 
third time, and in 1898 still retained the position. 



Appendix 



199 



Jan. 19th, 1873, Miss Hattie La Grange was appointed 
superintendent of the primary department, which started 
with ten pupils. She remained in office until June 30th, 
1874, wnen sne resigned to enter upon the Foreign Mis- 
sionary work, and she has since that time been laboring 
under the Presbyterian board in Tripoli, Syria. 

Miss Annie Williams was selected to succeed Miss La 
Grange and remained until Jan. 1st, 1879. 

Jan. 1st, 1879, Miss Carrie Stone (now Mrs. C. C. 
Jackson) was elected and had charge of the department 
for three years. 

Jan. 1st, 1882, Mrs. David Murray was chosen and 
served one year. 

Jan. 1st, 1883, Miss Nellie A. Barnes (now Mrs. 
Rev. Geo. Brock of Lockport, N. Y.) was elected and 
remained superintendent for the four succeeding years. 

Jan. 1st, 1887, Mrs. J. M. Seabury was chosen to the 
office and filled the position with great acceptance and 
success. 

Mrs. Seabury continued to occupy the position of 
primary superintendent until 1905, when by reason of ill 
health she felt compelled to lay down active work. She 
was succeeded by Miss Alice Baker, who was in turn 
succeeded by her sister, Miss Mae Baker, in 1908, upon 
the marriage and removal from our city of Miss Alice. 
At the beginning of the year 1909, Miss Jean Colville 
was elected to this responsible position, Miss Baker at 
her own request retiring from the place by reason of her 
school duties in the city. 

Miss Colville was succeeded by Miss Charlotte Beuck- 
mann. 



200 



Appendix 



Mr. J. W. Manier held the office of secretary the first 
year after the organization of the school. 

Jan. 1st, 1874, Mr. Geo. B. Edwards was elected and 
acted in this capacity for three years. 

Jan. 1st, 1877, Mr. Geo. Williams, Jr., was chosen. 

Jan. 1st, 1878, Mr. Corliss McKinney was elected sec- 
retary, but on account of removal from the city Mr. Geo. 
B. Edwards was selected to fill his unexpired term. 

Jan. 1st, 1879, Mr. Wm. E. Barnes was elected sec- 
retary, and after one year's service was succeeded on 
Jan. 1st, 1880, by Mr. Wm. H. Finney, who served the 
school during that year. 

Jan. 1st, 1881, Mr. Geo. B. Edwards was again elected, 
but resigned May 29th, 1881, and Mr. B. A. Baumann 
served until Jan. 1st, 1882, when he was chosen secretary 
and served with great fidelity during the nine succeeding 
years, when he was asked to go up higher and occupy the 
office of assistant superintendent. 

Jan. 1st, 1891, Wm. E. Gurney was elected and served 
until May 13, 1894, wnen Mr. W. H. Bundy was chosen 
as his successor and held the position until April 7th, 
1895, when Mr. W. J. Hadsall was elected and served 
until April 5th, 1896. At this time Mr. N. E. Luce was 
elected and acted as secretary until July 4th, 1897. 

July 4th, 1897, Mr. Robert Van Inwegen was chosen. 

Jan. 4th, 1898, Mr. Arthur C. Mix was elected to the 
office. 

During the reconstruction of the church in 1885-6 the 
Sunday school held its sessions in the Y. M. C. A. rooms 
on Court Street from September 26th, 1885, until March 



Appendix 



201 



28th, 1886, when we reconvened in the enlarged and 
beautified church. 

From the treasurer's reports the following statistics 
are gleaned: 

The collections in the school the first year aggregated 
$83.74; expenses $26.50. 

The collections increased with the growth of the school 
and the total receipts during the first twenty-five years 
were $6,166.43, of which $2,138.61 have been given to 
missions. 

In 1890 a Home Department was organized through 
the efforts of Mr. M. L. Barnes and Miss Clarissa 
Smith and it was recognized afterward as belonging to 
the school, and M. L. Barnes was appointed superintend- 
ent in 1892, retaining the position until his death. Mr. 
W. O. Birdsall was elected to the position in 1896, and 
in 1897 Mrs. Mary Buell was chosen and was retained 
in the office until succeeded by Mrs. Alia McPherson, 
who, after serving faithfully for five years, was, in Jan- 
uary, 1914, succeeded by Miss Annie Williams. 

The class contains at present about 70 members. 
There are no statistics at hand giving the number who 
have united with the church from the school, but it is a 
large one, for it has ever been a "nursery of piety." 

A teachers' meeting has been regularly held most of 
the time since the organization of the school. 

This school has always been remarkable for the large 
number of adults belonging to it. The attraction of the 
school has very largely held the young people at that age 
when they are so likely to drop out. 



202 



Appendix 



The greatest harmony has always prevailed in all the 
departments of the school. Jealousies among the teach- 
ers, criticism of methods in the conduct of the school have 
been almost an unknown quantity in the West Presby- 
terian Sunday School. 

The business, intellectual and spiritual status of the 
officers and teachers has been of a high order. With 
hardly an exception they have been men and women who 
stand well in the community for uprightness, good citi- 
zenship and morality. 

The influence of the pastor has been a great in- 
spiration and help during all the years of the existence 
of the school. He has been regularly present at the ses- 
sions, personally interested in every department and class, 
and a valued adviser in every scheme for the betterment 
of the school. 

Our success has not been attained by a resort to sen- 
sational or adventitious methods. The school has pros- 
pered, the young people have remained in it through their 
teens because something has been given them here which 
made it worth their while to attend. The teachers gen- 
erally have accepted and taught the Bible as the Word 
of God; they have believed and taught that "all Scrip- 
ture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for 
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in 
righteousness." The school through all the years of its 
existence has breathed a Bible atmosphere. The ortho- 
doxy, the moral fiber, the spiritual attainments of those 
who have been here trained is sufficient evidence of the 
value of this training and of such an environment. With 
the enlarged facilities which we now possess it is expected 



Appendix 



203 



and believed there will be no change made in the methods 
which have brought us in the past such satisfactory re- 
sults. 

The school enjoyed and greatly profited by the service 
of Mr. H. J. Gaylord until the beginning of the year 
1900, when feeling that his strength would no longer 
permit him to occupy the position of superintendent, Mr. 
C. E. Terrill was chosen as leader, while Mr. Gaylord 
continued to hold the title of honorary superintendent, 
a relationship which lasted through a number of suc- 
ceeding years. At the time that Mr. Terrill was elected 
superintendent, Mr. L. A. Osgood was chosen assistant. 
The positions of secretary and treasurer at that time were 
held respectively by Mr. Orville Bayless and Mr. A. O. 
Mix. In January, 1902, Mr. Bayless was succeeded by 
Mr. I. B. Parce, who served efficiently until elected as- 
sistant superintendent January 1st, 1909. 

Under the leadership of Mr. Terrill the school has 
greatly prospered. He held the office until his removal 
to Cleveland in 1905. 

On the following Sunday the vacancy was filled by 
the promotion of Mr. L. A. Osgood, Mr. T. C. Thorpe 
being elected assistant. Mr. Thorpe occupied this posi- 
tion until he was compelled by reason of a change of 
business relation to sever his connection with the church. 

The beginning of the year 1905 witnessed the inaug- 
uration of a new movement in the history of the school, 
and one which has gone on since with constantly increas- 
ing power, namely, the organization of the class of men 
known as the Westminster Class. This organization 
was effected by the consolidation of two classes, at the 



204 



Appendix 



head of which Dr. H. D. Whitmarsh and Mr. Frank 
Snyder had stood for a number of years. The pastor, 
Rev. E. F. Hallenbeck, was chosen teacher. The class 
was also organized under the Adult Bible Class move- 
ment, with a full quota of officers. Just one hundred 
names appeared on the roll of this class for the year of 
its organization. The growth' of the Westminster Class 
has been steady and in great measure permanent, so that 
at the opening of the year 1910 it reported one hundred 
and forty-five members. 

Two other classes have been organized, also, under the 
Adult Bible Class movement, those of Dr. Hand and 
Mrs. Reed. Particular reference ought to be made to 
the first named class, which for so many years was 
blessed by the leadership of Dr. George F. Hand. The 
numerical strength of this class is shown by the fact that 
for the year 1906 ninety-six names were entered on the 
rolls. But no figures nor words can attest the influence 
of the teaching of this man of God upon the spiritual 
lives of those who sat under his ministration, as well as 
upon all members of the school. All too soon the heart- 
to-heart relationship between teacher and pupil was 
broken, for Dr. Hand was called in September, 1906, to 
a place Up Higher. His work still goes on, however, 
and will never cease to have its effect upon the lives of 
us all. Upon his decease, Prof. V. S. Paessler was 
chosen teacher, and the name of the class was changed 
to that of the "Hand Memorial Class," and this is still 
its title, and its leader is yet the same. Professor 
Paessler having had long experience as a teacher in the 
Barlow Industrial School, of which he was principal at 



Appendix 



205 



the time of his elevation to the place of honor in the 
Hand Memorial Class, as well as having been a teacher 
in the West Church Sunday School for a long time, is 
well qualified to be the successor of the founder of the 
class ; and under his faithful and enthusiastic leadership 
there has been a sustained interest and good spiritual 
growth among its members. 

Nor would it be fitting that the class of ladies of 
which Miss Susan Osgood is teacher should be passed 
without special mention. Like Professor Paessler, Miss 
Osgood has long occupied a position in the High School 
of our city, being one of its most earnest teachers. From 
a small beginning the class, always known as "Miss 
Osgood's Class," has grown until it has become a power 
in the life of the church and Sunday School. At the 
time of this writing nearly one hundred names were on 
its roll. Both the class and its teacher have always been 
highly interested in everything that pertains to the up- 
building of God's kingdom in the world. 

At the expiration of his term of office for the year 
1908, Mr. Osgood felt that he must retire from the posi- 
tion of superintendent. He could not be prevailed upon 
to accept a reelection, and Mr. E. L. Vincent, who had 
been elected to be his assistant soon after the resignation 
of Mr. Thorpe, was advanced to the first place at the 
head of the school. 

Some changes have been made from time to time in 
the personnel of the minor officers, none however save 
such as have tended to maintain the same high stand- 
ard of efficiency which has always characterized the 
school. 



206 



Appendix 



At the opening of the year 1910 the list of officers 
included Superintendent E. L. Vincent. He was suc- 
ceeded by Benjamin A. Baumann, who held the office 
until his death in April, 1913. The vacancy was filled 
for a brief period by Assistant Superintendent B. R. 
Brigham, when Theodore C. Thorpe was elected super- 
intendent. Assistant Superintendent Irwin B. Parce 
was succeeded by Mr. Brigham, Charles W. Bryers, 
secretary, and Ralph M. Vincent his assistant. Treas- 
urer Harry B. Lacey was succeeded by Alfred Wayne, 
with John Booth as assistant. Mrs. A. C. McPherson, 
Superintendent of the Home Department, was succeeded 
January 1, 1914, by Miss Annie Williams. Lady Su- 
perintendent Mrs. G. M. Colville was succeeded by Miss 
Mary Colville, and in January, 1914, by Miss Annie 
Williams. Mrs. J. M. Seabury, Superintendent of the 
Cradle Roll, was succeeded in turn by Miss Ruth Col- 
ville and Mrs. H. E. Holt. 

The last report (April, 1914) showed the total mem- 
bership of the school to be 595, or including the Home 
Department, 665. Average attendance, 285. 

From the year 1874, wnen Miss Harriet LaGrange, 
the first primary superintendent of the school, entered 
upon her mission work in Tripoli, Syria, the school has 
made a regular annual contribution of about $50 towards 
her support, besides large offerings to other missionary 
causes. Miss LaGrange has now labored in that field 
with marked success for forty years as the head of a 
fine institution for the education and training of Syrian 
girls, and ranks among the highly valued missionaries 
of our Presbyterian Board. She was one of the original 



Appendix 



207 



members of the West Church, and still retains her mem- 
bership. 

The whole sum raised by the school for all purposes 
to date (1914) aggregates about $15,000. 

THE LADIES' INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY 

This oldest of all our Church Societies antedates the 
organization of the church itself. 

For the facts here presented we are mainly indebted 
to the late Mrs. Morgan L. Barnes. 

On June 5, 1872, a little company of Christian women 
held a meeting with Mrs. M. L. Barnes, No. 96 Oak 
Street, for the purpose of forming a society to be known 
as the "West Church Mite Society." The new church 
(or chapel) was then in process of erection; and the 
purpose of this society was twofold, first, to increase 
interest in the enterprise, then to raise funds to materi- 
ally assist in carrying on the work of the church. The 
first officers chosen were: Mrs. M. L. Barnes, Presi- 
dent; Miss Mary Osgood, Vice-President; Mrs. Stephen 
Morey, Secretary; Miss Alice Carver, Treasurer. 

The society met once in two weeks, and all members 
had a mind to work, and were united in whatever was 
undertaken. 

Social gatherings, fairs and festivals were interspersed 
with regular work, and some soliciting was done. In 
about eight months previous to February 25, 1873, tne 
sum of $664.11 had been raised. Of this amount 
$194.40 was generously contributed by ladies of the 
First Presbyterian Church. This money was devoted to- 
wards the furnishing of the chapel. For carpets, mats, 



208 



Appendix 



etc., $466.61; chairs and table, $64.50; desk, $40.00; 
communion service, $35.00; communion table, $30.00; 
Bible and hymn book, $20.00, and desk covering, $8.00. 

At this time it was thought best that the Mite Society 
should be disbanded, and a new society organized under 
the name of "The Ladies' Industrial Society." This 
change was effected February 25, 1873. The pastor's 
wife (Mrs. Samuel Dunham) was chosen President, 
which office she nobly filled for twenty years, nearly 
every time in the chair. The other officers were: Mrs. 
G. W. Burbank, Vice-President; Miss Mary Osgood, 
Secretary and Treasurer; Mrs. J. M. Stone, Mrs. E. F. 
Matthews, Miss Clarissa Smith, Mrs. Mariette Cady, 
and Mrs. M. L. Barnes, Directresses. The object of 
this society, as of the former one, was to promote the 
growth and influence of the church. At the regular 
meetings, held once in two weeks, the ladies engaged in 
plain or fancy needle-work, or, when occasion required, 
in sewing for the poor. Social gatherings were also 
held, alternating each week with the regular meetings. 
The society decided to use a sufficient amount of its 
funds to defray the expense of the church music, and 
for the rent of the parsonage. The receipts of the soci- 
ety for the year ending February 25, 1874, we re $837.33 ; 
of which $483.75 were expended as above indicated, 
leaving a balance of $353.58 in the treasury. The sec- 
ond year $789.97 was similarly expended, and also to 
meet a deficiency in current expenses. The third year 
$684.40 was thus appropriated, and $135.00 put into the 
church treasury. From this time (1876) to 1891, the 
proceeds have been paid over to the church. 



Appendix 



209 



During the seven years previous to 1883, tne receipts 
of the society were $1,341.71; and from 1883 to 1891, 
$1,255.38. In January, 1891, the society decided to 
make special effort to raise money to apply on the church 
debt. As a result, the sum of $503.90 was raised, of 
which $90.00 was applied to that purpose, and $404.25 
was deposited in the bank. In addition to all this, the 
society furnished a room in the newly-opened and dedi- 
cated Home for Aged Women. 

The whole amount of money raised by the society dur- 
ing its first twenty-five years was $6,755.00. 

Since 1898 the records of money raised and expended 
are very incomplete. It is known, however, that con- 
siderable sums have been raised and wisely appropriated 
for the good of the church. 

The following officers have served the society since 
the year 1900 : 



PRESIDENTS 



Mrs. J. E. Bookstaver, 
Mrs. L. M. Blanchard, 
Mrs. M. E. Baker, 



Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 



Fred Barnum, 
Elmer W. Beers, 
Alia McPherson. 



Mrs. Anna Gardiner, 



SECRETARIES 



Miss Mae Barnum, 
Mrs. Timothy Kellam, 
Mrs. Minnie Barnum, 
Mrs. M. E. Baker, 



Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 



H. H. Young, 
Amelia Cohn, 
A. E. Benedict. 



TREASURERS 



Mrs. V. S. Paessler, 

Mrs. Baker, 

Mrs. Charles Johnson, 



Mrs. 
Mrs. 



Fred Salisbury, 
Jay West. 



210 



Appendix 



WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY 

For the first ten years of the life of the West Church, 
from 1873 to 1 883, there was a Union Missionary Or- 
ganization composed of members of the three Presby- 
terian churches then existing in the city, — the First, 
North and West Churches. Meetings were held in the 
different churches, and for several of those years Mrs. 
Samuel Dunham was president. 

On Saturday, February 24, 1883, was organized the 
Woman's Missionary Society of the West Presbyterian 
Church. 

The first officers of the society were: Miss Clarissa 
Smith, President; Mrs. S. M. Dunham, Vice-President; 
Mrs. David Murray, Secretary; Mrs. J. W. Manier, 
Treasurer. 

The purpose of the Society is to increase the knowl- 
edge and thereby the interest of the members in the work 
of missions, and to help in fulfilling Christ's last great 
commission, "Go teach all nations." 

With this latter object in view the society assists in 
supporting Miss Harriet LaGrange in Tripoli, Syria, 
and pays for a scholarship in the Home Industrial School 
at Asheville, North Carolina, so that annually a girl 
from among the Mountain Whites may receive careful 
training in Christian home-making. Contributions are 
also made to the Home and Foreign Boards in aid of 
the general work of missions. 

In 1908 the society observed its twenty-fifth anniver- 
sary, and it was found that up to that time the contri- 
butions amounted to $1,771.35 for home missions, and 
$1,765.75 for foreign missions, a total of $3,537.10. 



Appendix 



211 



Including the gifts of the last six years ($1,259.72) 
to 1914, the total offerings aggregate $5,182.82. 

The society has been served by the following officers : 

PRESIDENTS 

Miss Clarissa Smith 1883-1887 

Mrs. Sarah M. Dunham 1887-1894 

Miss Jane Howard 1894-1901 

Mrs. E. M. Baldwin 1901-1902 

Mrs. E. B. Smith 1902-1905 

Mrs. Robertha McL. Dunham 1905-1907 

Mrs. E. L. Vincent September, 1907-1908 

Mrs. H. D. Whitmarsh 1908-1910 

Mrs. George F. Hand 1910-1912 

Mrs. H. D. Whitmarsh 1912-1914 

Mrs. Franklin Putnam l 9 l 4- 

VICE-PRESIDENTS 

Mrs. Samuel Dunham, Mrs. Robertha McL. Dun- 
Mrs. J. I. Haring, ham, 

Mrs. C. A. Johnston, Mrs. George M. Colville, 

Mrs. E. M. Baldwin, Mrs. E. L. Vincent, 

Miss Clarissa Smith, Mrs. H. D. Whitmarsh, 

Mrs. B. J. Bayless, Mrs. Amelia Cohn, 

Mrs. George F. Hand, Mrs. Fred Barnum. 
Mrs. E. F. Hallenbeck, 

SECRETARIES 

Mrs. David Murray, Miss Sarah Henning, 

Miss Mary Dayton, Mrs. H. D. Whitmarsh, 

Mrs. Lydia Dayton Wal- Miss Annie Williams, 

ling, Mrs. Minna C. Clark, 

Mrs. J. M. Seabury, Mrs. Frank B. Lull, 

Mrs. F. A. Thompson, Mrs. D. J. Kelly. 
Mrs. J. W. Manier, 



212 



Appendix 



TREASURERS 

Mrs. J. W. Manier, Mrs. Frederick Barnum, 

Miss Esther Barton (17 Mrs. Frank Snyder, 

years), Mrs. Wm. E. Gurney. 

Miss Florence Musson, 

THE WOMAN'S UNION 

This Union, organized October 11, 1904, is a federa- 
tion of the women's societies of the church for the 
purpose of uniting their interests, directing their activi- 
ties, and stimulating their zeal. 

Every woman in the congregation is considered a mem- 
ber of the union and is heartily invited to cooperate in 
its work. 

Each meeting is divided into a business session and a 
social hour for all the women of the church. 

The union is supported by the voluntary gifts of its 
members, and comprises the Social Department, the Vis- 
iting Department, the Missionary Society, the Ladies' 
Industrial Society, and the King's Daughters. 

The first officers of the union were as follows : — Presi- 
dent, Mrs. E. F. Hallenbeck; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. L. 
M. Bowers, Mrs. Samuel Dunham ; Secretary, Mrs. Chas. 
A. Ball; Treasurer, Miss Marie Rinck. 

In 1908 Mrs. G. M. Colville was chosen to succeed 
Mrs. Hallenbeck as president, which office she held until 
her removal by death October 20, 1910. She was suc- 
ceeded by Mrs. Geo. F. Hand. The next President was 
Mrs. V. S. Paessler, who in turn was followed by Mrs. 
E. L. Vincent. 

Since 1905 the office of vice-president has been held 



Appendix 



213 



by Mrs. Hand, Mrs. Paessler, Mrs. William Liddell 
and Mrs. E. B. Smith; the secretaries have been Mrs. 
W. E. Gurney, Miss Jennie Pearsall and Mrs. Amelia 
Cohn, and the treasurers, Mrs. F. S. Converse, Mrs. W. 
E. Gurney and Mrs. B. S. Swayze. 

The union holds two meetings each year, at which 
reports are presented by the several women's organiza- 
tions of the church. 

THE KING'S DAUGHTERS 

The King's Daughters' Circle of the West Presby- 
terian Church was organized March 8, 1888. 

It grew out of and was the immediate successor to the 
"Inasmuch Society." Its object was to help needy and 
deserving people, both in and outside of the church. 

Its first officers were : — Miss Lillie A. Thompson, 
President; Miss Lottie Haring, Vice-President; Miss 
Julia E. Hand, Secretary; Miss Susie Baty, Treasurer. 

After a time the society disbanded. 

On May 16, 1895, the society reorganized, its aim 
being "to do all the good possible in every way, at all 
times — to keep in remembrance that anything, however 
small or simple, that helps another human being to be 
better or happier is proper work for the King's Daugh- 
ters." 

The watchword of the international order — "In His 
Name" — was adopted. 

During the years 1895, 1896 and 1897 tne following 
were leaders of the circle : — 

Miss Lillie Thompson, Miss Emma Bush, Mrs. George 
Adams. 



214 



Appendix 



The work of these years was principally the making 
and giving away of garments. Comfort bags were also 
made, and filled with small Testaments, needles, thread, 
etc. These were sent to the lumber camps of Michigan. 

The sum of ten dollars was also raised and sent to the 
Armenians. 

In the year 1897, $25.00 was given to home support. 
In the year 1898, $25.00 was given toward the church 
building fund. 

In March, 1898, the local constitution of the interna- 
tional order was adopted. 

The object of the circle is "to develop spiritual life 
and stimulate Christian activity." The Council of the 
Order admonishes the circles to consider first the home, 
second the Church, third mankind for whom Christ died. 

Our King's Daughters' society has for its motto — "Do 
all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the 
people you can." 

This is what we have, in the years past, been endeav- 
oring to do. 

Through our Sunshine Committee we have furnished 
food, clothing and coal for needy families and have sent 
sunshine boxes and flowers to brighten the rooms of the 
sick and shut-ins. 

Our Hospital Committee visits the hospital from time 
to time, leaving some remembrance with each one to 
cheer them up and turn their thoughts to Him who doeth 
all things well. 

We have also sent numbers of magazines and religious 
papers to sailors' homes and light-houses. 

Each year we pay fifty dollars toward the salary of 



Appendix 



215 



our city nurse and furnish her with supplies whenever 
she needs them. 

Following is an account of the money spent from No- 
vember l, 1899, to January 1, 1910. 



To building fund $ 1 04.02 

Two pianos 294.48 

Sunshine work 482.08 

City nurse 302.45 

State and city dues 103-05 

Missionary box 20.00 

Music fund of church 25.00 

Fresh air fund 10.00 

Incidentals 70.69 

New carpet for church 300.00 



Total $1,711.77 



From January 1, 19 10, to August 1, 1914, the Look- 
out Circle raised the handsome sum of $2,030.82. This 
money has been expended towards the payment of the 
church debt, in the purchase of carpet, remodeling the 
kitchen, in sunshine and charitable work, in the support 
of the city nurse, and for missions. 

The total amount of funds raised by this circle in the 
last fifteen years aggregates $3,742.59. 

Officers of the Lookout Circle of the King's Daughters 
since 1898 : — 

LEADERS 

Mrs. W. E. Barnes 1898 to 1900 

Miss Elizabeth Thompson 1900 to 1907 

Miss Nellie J. Rood 1907 to 1910 



Appendix 



216 

Mrs. Minna Clark 
Mrs. Edward R. Mould 



1910 to 1913 
1913 



VICE-LEADERS 

Miss Elizabeth Thompson, Mrs. C. J. Longstreet, 
Mrs. John D. Starr, Miss Charlotte F. Beuck- 

Miss Mae Barnum, mann, 
Mrs. E. F. Hallenbeck, Mrs. Minna Clark. 

SECRETARIES 

Miss Margaret Bloxham, Miss Anna McDonald, 
Miss Nellie J. Rood, Mrs. Charles W. Bryers, 

Miss Elva Coe, Miss Jessie Marean. 

TREASURERS 

Mrs. W. H. Bundy, Mrs. W. A. Johnson, 

Miss Leah Harder, Miss Lena Beecher, 

Mrs. Frank Greenwood, Miss Elva Coe. 

The Susanna Colville Circle was organized in the 
Westminster Class Room November 15, 1911, in loving 
memory of Mrs. Colville. It is composed of young 
ladies from seventeen to twenty-five years of age. 

The first officers were, — 

President, Christianna Nielson. 

Vice-President, Ruth Peck. 

Secretary, Marion Shores. 

Treasurer, Mary Colville. 

The first leaders were Miss Charlotte Beuckmann and 
Miss Mary Colville. 

The circle has proved very active and efficient, is 
much interested in mission study, and has contributed 
liberally to local church and charitable work and to 
missions. 



Appendix 217 



The Loyal Circle of King's Daughters, composed of 
young girls from twelve to seventeen years of age, was 
organized by Miss Charlotte Beuckmann on January 4, 
1912, and has done some good work; but has recently 
discontinued its meetings. 

THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY OF CHRIS- 
TIAN ENDEAVOR 

The materials for this sketch were furnished mainly 
by Benjamin A. Baumann and Miss Jennie Pearsall. 

In September, 1880, a small band of young people 
formed what was called "The Pastoral Aid Society," 
having for its object "Some defined methods of effectual 
aid to our pastor, and for their mutual improvement." 

In the Spring of 1883, with the purpose of enlisting 
a larger number of the young people, "The Young Peo- 
ple's Association" was organized to take the place of 
the Pastoral Aid Society. The wisdom of this change 
was soon demonstrated for, much as the former society 
had accomplished, this was doing more. For several 
years a most helpful prayer meeting was conducted on 
Sunday afternoons at 6 o'clock, which was most heartily 
sustained, having the prayer room crowded to its utmost 
capacity, and the spiritual tone of which was most excel- 
lent. 

Thus the work progressed until in May, 1887, when 
an interest in the Christian Endeavor Society was awak- 
ened within some of our members, aroused by some 
previous remarks of our pastor in reference to the society. 

This interest soon ripened into an expressed desire that 
the Young People's Association might be merged into a 



218 



Appendix 



Christian Endeavor Society, which was done by vote on 
Tuesday evening, June 28, 1887. The following day 
we received a telegram from Mr. M. A. Hudson, Secre- 
tary of the New York State Christian Endeavor Union, 
congratulating us upon being the pioneer society in 
Binghamton. 

It was soon evident that the society had not lost sight 
of its object, "For Christ and the Church," for in Jan- 
uary, 1888, following the week of prayer, a revival 
continuing for five weeks, conducted by the pastor and 
assisted by the young people was held, which the Lord 
richly' blessed in the conversion of some sixty persons, 
who have proven to be faithful witnesses for the Master. 

Aside from the pastor, no one was more interested in 
this work than the president of the society, Mr. L. M. 
Bowers and Mrs. S. M. Dunham, of blessed memory, 
and to their personal efforts is due much of the success 
of these meetings. Similar meetings were held during 
the two following Winters of 1889 and 1890 with excel- 
lent results. 

The first president of the society was Mr. L. M. 
Bowers, who acted in this capacity from June, 1887, to 
October 1, 1889. His successors have served in the fol- 
lowing order: — 

Louis A. Osgood, Oct. 1, 1889, to April 1, 1890. 
John D. Starr, April 1, 1890, to Oct. l, 1890. 
Frank Snyder, Oct. 1, 1890, to Oct. 1, 1891. 
Dr. H. D. Whitmarsh, Oct. 1, 1891, to Oct. 1, 1892. 

B. A. Baumann, Oct. 1, 1892, to Oct. 1. 1893. 

C. N. Stannard, Oct. 1, 1893, to April 1, 1894. 
N. E. Luce, April 1, 1894, to Oct. 1, 1894. 



Appendix 



219 



Miss Susan S. Osgood, Oct. l, 1894, to April 1, 1895. 
C. E. Terrill, April 1, 1895, to April 1, 1896. 
Geo. A. Pierce, April 1, 1896, to Oct. 1, 1896. 
Mrs. Wm. E. Barnes, Oct. 1, 1896, to Oct. 1, 1897. 
B. A. Baumann, Oct. 1, 1897, to April 1, 1901. 
Chas. A. Ball, April 1, 1901, to Oct. 1, 1901. 
Harvey H. Wagner, Oct. 1, 1901, to Oct. 1, 1902. 
Bertram R. Brigham, Oct. 1, 1902, to Oct. 1, 1903. 
Theo. C. Thorpe, Oct. 1, 1903, to Oct. 1, 1904. 
Miss Lucia Musson, Oct. 1, 1904, to Oct. 1, 1905. 
Miss Bessie Baker, Oct. 1, 1905, to Oct. 1, 1906. 
Theo. C. Thorpe, Oct. 1, 1906, to Oct. 1, 1907. 
Miss Mae Baker, Oct. 1, 1907, to April 1, 1909. 
B. R. Brigham, from April 1, 1909, to April 1, 1910. 
Ralph Vincent, from April l, 1910, to April 1, 1911. 
Donald Gilbert, from April 1, 1911, to Oct. 1, 1911. 
Sindergo Neilson, from Oct. 1, 1911, to Oct. 1, 1912. 
Theodore C. Thorpe, from Oct. 1, 1912, to Oct. 1, 1913. 
Harold Monroe, from Oct. 1, 1913. (Still in office.) 

It need not be said that the young people's organiza- 
tions have had an important part in the history of this 
beloved church. But we would not glory in this other 
than to praise the blessed Lord in whose strength it has 
been possible for us to achieve all these results. 

The society has had a total membership during the 
twenty-seven years of probably four hundred active 
members and one hundred honorary members. There 
have been thirty deaths ; the last of these was that of 
Benjamin A. Baumann, who died April 10, 1913. Mr. 
Baumann probably did a larger amount of Christian 
Endeavor work for a longer period of time than any 



220 



Appendix 



other member, and the quality of his work was excellent. 
We knew the power of the Spirit was in his words and 
deeds. His work was not alone in our society but as 
district secretary throughout the county he was beloved 
for his earnestness, faithfulness and devotion in the work. 

During the years some $1,200 has been contributed by 
the society, most of which has been given for missionary 
work. For many years the money for foreign work was 
given toward the salary of Rev. Wm. J. Leverett in 
China, but at present is for station work at Hainan, 
China, and towards the salary of Rev. Edward Mars- 
den, a native worker at Saxman, Alaska. 

A gift toward the fresh air work has been made each 
year for several years ; the amount this year being an 
increase over several previous years. 

On July 2, 1912, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 
society was celebrated in the church parlors. Many 
former members were present and letters were read from 
others widely scattered over our United States. An at- 
tendance of eighty listened attentively to the programme, 
while smiles of pleasant memories were evident. A social 
following gave further opportunity for the stirring of 
memory in recalling blessings in service and fellowship. 

A banquet attended by 110 persons was held April 7, 
1914. 

The past year has been one of encouragement. Four- 
teen new members have been received during the year. 
The present membership is 44 active, 20 honorary, and 
2 associate, a total of 66. 

On November 23, 1913, a young men's chorus was 
formed which sang in our meetings for several weeks 



Appendix 



221 



and later developed into our church choir. The second 
week in January, at the home of the Misses Nielson, an 
orchestra was formed, which was soon secured to play 
at our Sunday School sessions. 

For the last few years there has been a great desire 
that more young men become members and lead in the 
work. We have seen marked improvement in this re- 
spect. 

Many missionaries have visited our meetings and we 
often have letters from missionaries. Those from Mrs. 
Julia Bronson, of Japan, Mabel Lee, of Nanking, China, 
and Harriet LaGrange, of Tripoli, Syria, are of especial 
interest. 

One of our members, Miss Mae H. Baker, is studying 
at Dr. White's Bible Teachers' Training School at 541 
Lexington Avenue, New York, to become a missionary. 
Another member, Charles Gilbert, is studying for the 
ministry. For a year we have conducted one service a 
month at The Home for Aged Women. 

We believe in prayer and work, and that the Young 
People's Society is helpful to the prayer life of the 
members. 

The work of the committees gives definite things for 
members to do and results in helpfulness and blessing 
to others as well as to the workers themselves. 

In order to keep alive we must continually be receiving 
new life. Many have left us. Many have come to us. 
We desire a larger increase in our membership, and also 
to grow more abundantly the fruits of the Spirit. 



222 



Appendix 



THE JUNIOR CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR 
SOCIETY 

PREPARED BY MISS CHARLOTTE BEUCKMANN 

The Junior Christian Endeavor Society was organized 
Friday, November 2, 1893, w ^ tn l & active members. 
Mrs. H. S. Dwight was appointed superintendent by 
the pastor, Mr. Dunham, with Miss Carrie Barnum and 
Miss May Eeles as assistants. Grace Cady was the first 
Junior President. Mrs. Dwight had charge of the so- 
ciety for four consecutive years assisted by Miss Emma 
L. Buck, Mrs. R. Wilson, and Mrs. Robt. C. Smith at 
intervals during that period. The society sent flowers 
to the DeLancy Street Mission in New York free of 
charge, which were given to the poor children of New 
York. Also gave $10 to the Asheville farm school; also 
$1.00 to State work for 1895, 1896 and 1897. To 
Junior Christian Endeavor Union, 50 cents. 

Mrs. W. E. Barnes was appointed superintendent on 
October 1, 1897, and was superintendent for six months. 
April 1, 1898, Miss Mabel Musson was appointed su- 
perintendent with Miss Elizabeth Woughter and Miss 
Charlotte F. Beuckmann as assistants. During these six 
months flowers were sent to the Home for Aged 
Women, comfort powders — verses of Scripture written 
on paper and folded like a powder — and flowers were 
sent to the sick. 

October 1, 1898, Miss Charlotte F. Beuckmann was 
appointed superintendent by the Christian Endeavor 
Society and has had the society in charge ever since. 
During this time, Miss Lina Carver, Miss Ida Gaffney, 



Appendix 



223 



Mrs. N. E. Luce, Miss Mae Baumann, and Mr. Edward 
Hungerford have assisted at intervals. 

The first year the attendance was very small, but 
gradually increased. The difficulties were many; but 
by the kind helpfulness of friends and the thoughtful 
consideration of the pastor, Mr. Dunham, we kept at it, 
seeking help and wisdom from our Heavenly Father, to 
whom be all the praise and glory for whatever has been 
done by the Juniors. 

Meetings are held on Sunday afternoon from 4 to 
5. We try to vary the meetings to make them help- 
ful and interesting. Our society motto is Rom. 12:11, 
"Not slothful in business," etc. The society song is 
"For Christ and the Church," words written by Mr. 
John R. Clements. Each committee has a Bible verse 
as its motto, also each one of the ten committees has a 
color with a special meaning. The society color is light 



The average membership during these years has been 
about 40 with an attendance of 20 to 35 on the average. 
Have regular missionary meetings as outlined for us by 
the United Christian Endeavor Society. An item about 
missions is given at each meeting. Each member has 
a missionary for a given time and receives the following 
outline : 



blue. 



Pray each 
day for 



her, or him, 
the work, 
the people, 
the helpers. 



Find out 
- all you 
can about 



the country, 
the people, 
the religion, 
the needs. 



For several years the members as appointed reported 



224 



Appendix 



on the Sunday morning sermon each week. Our Band 
of Mercy and temperance committees have been a great 
help. 

Have learned many helpful Bible verses, psalms, 
facts about the Bible, etc. 

During some of the time we have had a Junior choir. 

Have special meetings with special preparations, 
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. 

Have social gatherings during the year and always 
a "Birthday Social" to celebrate the society's anniversary, 
Nov. 2. 

Aside from our regular society meetings we have tried 
to help the needy, the sick, and the shut-ins. 

Have a work meeting each week if possible, from Oc- 
tober to the second week in June. 

Sent flowers to the sick, shut-ins, City Hospital, and 
Old Ladies' Home. 

Give to State Work, and the City Junior C. E. Union. 

Give each year to missions through the regular church 
boards. 

Have sent four boxes to missionaries. 

Gave one year for relief of famine sufferers in Japan. 

A great many packages of good literature have been 
sent to the City Mission and County Poor Farm. 

Scrap-books, games, toys, fans covered with clippings, 
etc., sent to City Hospital. Valentines and post cards 
at different times to the Old Ladies' Home. 

In 1900 paid for having the West church room pa- 
pered at Old Ladies' Home. 

Pieced two quilts, tied them, and gave them to 
needy ones. Paid house rent of a needy family for one 



Appendix 225 



week. Paid for one-half ton coal for a needy family. 
Nearly every year we remember needy ones with gro- 
ceries which the boys and girls bring at Thanksgiving 
time; also once at Christmas time. Several times we 
sent something at Easter time to the Refuge. 

Have always tried to remember the sick, shut-ins, and 
oldest members of our church with various articles which 
we make at our work meetings, at Easter, Christmas, and 
Thanksgiving, and between times. One Christmas we 
sent 150 post cards to Susquehanna Valley Home. 

Paid for the Junior C. E. window in our church. 
Paid $15 towards the church piano. Gave $5 as an 
Easter offering to our church. 

Held "sunshine meetings' , after regular Junior meet- 
ings at homes of sick or shut-ins. Once sang several 
songs through the telephone to a shut-in. 

In 1901 mounted 152 Perry pictures for Easter, and 
some of the Juniors and the superintendent gave one to 
each one at the County Poor Farm, personally. Sent 
out "sunshine boxes" to sick. 

In 1903, helped to pay, with Mrs. A. A. White's S. S. 
class, for a marker for the grave of Willie Buse, one of 
our members who died Dec. 21, 1902. As far as we 
can ascertain the following who were Juniors have died : 
Ethel Blackmar, Alberta Van Inwegen, Bessie Cook, 
Hattie Lewis, Fred Goodsell, Helen Bartle, Willie Buse, 
and Effa Townsend. 

From time to time members have graduated into the 
Y. P. S. C. E. The largest number graduating at any 
one time was 18, on Feb. 8, 1903. It was a most im- 
pressive meeting and one remembered by all who were 



226 



Appendix 



present. Mr. B. A. Baumann was chosen by the grad- 
uating class as leader of the meeting. 

For the first years when the present superintendent 
took charge of the Juniors, we owe an especial debt of 
gratitude, which we never can pay to our then pastor, 
Mr. Dunham, and also to Mr. B. A. Baumann. 

Many boys and girls while members of the Junior 
Society united with the church. 

March 15, 1904 — Girls of the Junior C. E. gave a 
reception for girls of the S. S. of the same ages. It 
was a great success. Several times received over a 
pound of tea, by each one bringing one or more thimbles 
of tea, and sending it to a needy family. 

Several years we had individual flower gardens and 
many sick were remembered with the fragrant blossoms. 

We hold a union meeting with the Y. P. S. C. E. at 
least once a year, at which time the Junior president pre- 
sides. 

Gave $5 toward the Dr. F. E. Clark Memorial Build- 
ing. 

May 24, 1900, at the County C. E. convention, our 
society received the silk banner for having done the best 
work in every respect of any Junior society in the county. 

The last Sunday in December, in each year, the Junior 
societies of the city hold a big rally, and each society 
takes some part. On these occasions our society is always 
well represented. 

Many services of love and mercy, too many to even 
try to mention, have been cheerfully given by the boys 
and girls these past years. Many of the former mem- 
bers are now filling, and have filled, places of trust and 



Appendix 



227 



honor in the world, the church, and the Sunday school 
in this and other cities — girls as well as boys — of which 
this church may justly be proud. A number have grad- 
uated from normal schools, and colleges, and many are 
attending colleges at present. Mr. Jerome Peck, one of 
our former members, has served as president of the 
Broome County C. E. Union. 

We trust that the future of the society may be even 
better than the past. 

OTHER SOCIETIES MENTIONED 

A number of other societies of various kinds, organ- 
ized at different periods of the church's history, have 
served a useful purpose for a limited time, and then given 
place to otruer organizations. 

Among these may be mentioned the "Pastor's Aid So- 
ciety," the "Young People's Association," the "Inasmuch 
Society," the "Lend a Hand Club," the "King's Sons," 
the "Wide Awake Band," and the "Coral Workers." 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF THE WEST PRESBY- 
TERIAN CHURCH, AT ITS FORMATION, 
FEBRUARY 12, 1873. 



Elizabeth Aitchison, 
Tobiah Aitchison, 
Frances A. Avery, 
Erastus B. Barnes, 
William E. Barnes, 
Morgan L. Barnes, 
Sarah M. Barnes, 
Edward Barton, 



Jennie C. French, 
Mary L. French, 
Cynthia M. Gates, 
Lovina M. Howard, 
Luther Jenison, 
Maria L. Jenison, 
Mary O. Jenison, 
Carrie E. Jenison, 



228 



Appendix 



Mary Barton, 
Esther O. Barton, 
George W. Burbank, 
Lucy A. Burbank, 
Robert W. Byers, 
Angeline Carver, 
Alvin P. Chapin, 
Madge M. Chapin, 
James H. Christopher, 
Frances A. Christopher, 
Sarah E. Gushing, 
Charles M. Dickinson, 
Bessie V. H. Dickinson, 
Laura Dedrick, 
Ephraim F. Dunham, 
Sarah M. Dunham, 
Elisha W. Evans, 
Henry F. Evans, 
William Fairchild, 
Alvina Fairchild, 
Isaac A. Finney, 
Margaret Finney, 
Richard Finney, 
Sarah A. Finney, 
Rhoda E. French, 



Fannie L. Jenison, 
Harriet La Grange, 
James W. Manier, 
Emma C. Manier, 
Ephraim F. Matthews, 
Elizabeth A. Matthews, 
Nettie A. Morey, 
Horatio B. Osgood, 
Lydia A. Osgood, 
Mary S. Osgood, 
Lizzie S. Osgood, 
Anna R. Osgood, 
William V. Pierce, 
Emma Smith, 
Clarissa Smith, 
Uriah Stone, 
Mary Stone, 
Phebe J. Stone, 
Abraham Tyler, 
Susan Tyler, 
Amanda Tyler, 
Chester G. Whitford, 
Diadama H. Whitford, 
Florence M. Wright. 



ELDERS OF WEST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

Isaac A. Finney 1873 t0 l ^19 

Morgan L. Barnes. 1873 to 1883 

and 1884 to 1895 

Geo. W. Burbank 1873 t0 l 9 00 



Appendix 



229 



Geo. Williams 1874 to 1896 

Geo. F. Hand 1879 to 1906 

F. Edgerton 1879 t0 ^82 

H. J. Gaylord 1879 to 1909 

O. Z. Brown 1883 to 1899 

Joel W. Scott 1886 to 1892 

James M. Stone 1887 to 1899 

W. L. Bundy 1892 to 1903 

C. T. Mitchell 1892 to 1895 

N. D. Musson 1895 — 

B. J. Bayless 1897 to 1908 

Vinton S. Paessler 1898 to 1909 

T. M. Greacen 1900 — 

W. O. Birdsall 1900 — 

L. A. Osgood 1900 to 1909 

Theodore C. Thorpe 1903 to 1907 

Edgar L. Vincent 1907 — 

W. T. Haney 1908 — 

Hugh W. Prytherch 1908 — 

Bertrand R. Brigham l 9°9 — 

Wm. H. Foster 1909 — 

Henry L. Arneke 

Theodore C. Thorpe 

W. T. Coupe r 

Frank Snyder 

DEACONS OF WEST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

E. F. Matthews 1873 to 1886 

E. B. Barnes 1873 t0 ^79 

J. W. Manier 1873 t0 l &9 2 

O. Z. Brown 1877 to 1883 



230 



Appendix 



E. B. Whitney 1883 to 1888 

W. E. Barnes , to 1895 

L. K. Thompson 1883 t0 l &9 2 

H. D. Whitmarsh 1892 to 1904 

Frank Snyder 1892 — 

Chas. A. Ball 1900 to 1903 

C. E. Terrill 1898 to 1906 

W. T. Haney 1895 to 1909 

C. E. Hathaway 1895 to 1903 

B. J. Bayless 1895 to 1897 

L. A. Osgood 1897 to 1900 

William Liddell 1903 — 

H. W. Prytherch 1903 to 1908 

Ray E. Chamberlin 1904 to 1906 

B. R. Brigham 1906 to 1909 

Irwin B. Parce 1906 — 

F. R. Salisbury 1908 — 

B. S. Swayze 1908 — 

Chas. W. Bryers 1909 — 

A. E. Benedict 

Donald F. Gilbert 

Arthur Webb 

Marion E. Sawtelle 

TRUSTEES OF WEST PRESBYTERIAN 
SOCIETY 

M. L. Barnes 1871 to 1879 

and 1892 to 1895 

G. W. Burbank 1871 to 1893 

E. F. Matthews 1871 to 1886 



Appendix 231 



1,1 t> ~ry 




I07 1 


to 


I877 


T TT * _ - 1 




1 _ -> 
I072 


to 


I875 


TT* XIT T? ^ ^ „ 






to 


1 Q>-l A 

1874 






1874 


to 


I00O 






1 Q/-T - 

1875 


to 


i QQ r* 
I003 




and 


1889 


to 


1891 






1 Qnn 
1»77 


to 


i QnQ. 
I07O 


T T17 AT- * 




-1 O — O 
1070 


to 


1 QQ a 
I884 




and 


i QQQ 


to 


IOO9 


IT T f^mArxi-A 




I00O 


to 


iy 93 






i QQ i 


to 


1892 






1 QQ-» 
loo2 


to 


i QQ 






I004 


to 


i QQA 
I00D 


T IT TU^^^o^*-* 




I004 


to 


■t Qr\ 1 
l091 


T? XT': . 




1880 


to 


_ OOrv 
1889 






T -\r o 1 




, OOA 

1880 


to 


l892 


\I7 T? "O „ 




I889 


to 


1891 


V\7 T n r-» Atr 




I09I 


to 


1900 






loy 1 




1095 






1092 


to 


1907 






, Qr\r\ 






rUnrloc A T3o 1 1 




1895 






/~1 TT* TT„,1 




1897 


to 


1908 






1900 


to 


1903 






1904 


to 


l 9 l 3 


H. W. Prytherch 




1905 






H. H. Young 




1907 










1908 






George Fowler 




1912 






George A. Thompson 




1913 







232 



Appendix 



TREASURERS OF WEST PRESBYTERIAN 



SOCIETY 

J. W. Manier 1871 to 1875 

O. Z. Brown 1875 to 1879 

F. Edgerton 1879 t0 1 §8i 

E. B. Whitney. 1881 to 1885 

W. E. Barnes 1885 to 1890 

H. D. Whitmarsh 1890 to 1891 

F. Barnum 1891 to 1892 

A. B. Cady 1892 to 1893 

Chas. A. Ball 1893 t0 &99 

W. H. Bundy 1899 to 1903 

Hugh W. Prytherch 1903 to 1912 

George A. Thompson 1912 — 

ASSISTANT TREASURERS 

Wm. E. Gurney 1897 to 1898 

Geo. A. Thompson l 9°5 t0 *9 12 

John D. Booth 1912 — 



WEST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

PRESENT OFFICERS, 1914 

Pastor, Rev. A. B. McCormick. 

Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Samuel Dunham. 

ELDERS 

Wm. O. Birdsall, Walter T. Couper, 

Thomas M. Greacen, Edgar L. Vincent, 

Bertrand R. Brigham, Hugh W. Prytherch, 

Henry Arneke, Frank Snyder. 

Theodore C. Thorpe, 



Appendix 



233 



Fred R. Salisbury, 
Wm. Liddell, 
Arthur Webb, 

Clarence F. Peck, 
George Fowler, 
Hugh W. Prytherch, 



DEACONS 

Burnett S. Swayze, 
Marion E. Sawtelle, 
Charles W. Bryers. 

TRUSTEES 

Howard H. Young, 
Geo. A. Thompson, 
Dr. H. D. Whitmarsh. 



TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FLORAL AVE- 
NUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF 
BINGHAMTON, MAY 22, 1902. 

HISTORICAL SKETCH BY MR. G. M. T. JOHNSON 

I am asked to give a little history of the Floral Ave- 
nue Presbyterian Church — to tell what it has done in 
the first ten years of its existence. I can not do it. Its 
true record has not been kept here. 

We feel sure, however, a record has been kept of what 
it has done for the Master, and also what it has left 
undone, and opportunities let pass. 

Christ clearly defines who are his and do his will, 
those who lift up the fallen, feed the hungry, visit the 
sick, clothe the naked, those who cheer the sorrowful and 
bring peace and love where there has been hate and un- 
kind feeling. If we have made men better citizens — if 
we have relieved the suffering it is recorded to our credit. 
If, on the other hand, we have visited the suffering and 
needy and brought prayers and posies, whereas we should 
have carried bread and potatoes, it is recorded against 
us — but, as I have said, of this we have no record. 



234 



Appendix 



I have been able however to note some of the progress 
of the church as we are able to record it, but of its be- 
ginning I have no record, for God only knows its be- 
ginning. He knows what in the past fifty or one hun- 
dred years had a bearing on the making of this Floral 
Avenue church. There is always a preparation. Men 
and women must be raised up who will come into the 
work of organizing such an institution as a church of 
Christ. I will go back however as far as I can, and 
mention some of the beginnings, of which I believe we 
have no written record. In the year 1875, twenty-seven 
years ago, I first came down to West End. The other 
people of this community invited me to their prayer 
meetings which were held every Thursday evening. 
They told me the prayer meetings had been kept up then 
for twenty years. We who believe in God will not 
question the leading influences of these prayer meetings 
and we should give due credit to the faithful ones who 
since 1855, six years before the breaking out of the Civil 
War, in the heat of Summer and cold of Winter, came 
together every Thursday evening and united their prayers 
for the blessing and guidance of God. I have tried to 
get particulars of the organization of this prayer meet- 
ing. There is a person here to-night (Mrs. Alfred 
Brown) who says she was present at the first prayer 
meeting about 1854 ne ^ at tne nome of Mr. Erastus 
Barnes, father of the late Morgan L. Barnes, of the 
West Presbyterian Church, who lived in the house where 
Mr. Hull now lives on Main Street. There were pres- 
ent Mr. Erastus Barnes, Mr. Ephraim Matthews and 
Martin Swift, who was teaching school in the district at 



Appendix 



235 



that time, and some ladies. Later Mr. William Brown, 
and Alfred Brown and David Miller and families moved 
into this neighborhood and supported the meetings, and 
others of whom I have no record. In 1875 those prom- 
inent in the weekly prayer meetings were Deacon Mat- 
thews, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Brown, and Rev. Mr. Gil- 
bert. The names of these three men are on our me- 
morial windows. I think many who read these names 
wonder who they are. There were also Mr. and Mrs. 
Smithers, Mr. and Mrs. Titchener, and Mr. and Mrs. 
George Williams. I have probably forgotten others. 
These meetings were held at their different homes. They 
were discontinued at the organization of the church, and 
I would give due credit at this time to the faithful mem- 
bers of these prayer meetings. 

In the Summer of 1890 a canvass of this district was 
made by Mr. Dickson and myself to ascertain how many 
children there were who did not attend Sabbath school. 
We found, if I remember rightly, eighty-two. This fact 
was reported to Dr. Nichols and it impressed him 
strongly. He called together some of his church mem- 
bers, together with representatives from the West and 
North churches, and the Presbyterian Union was organ- 
ized, with the avowed purpose to sustain Sabbath schools 
at the West End and East End. They bought the lot 
on which this house stands of the Alfred Brown estate 
and at once commenced to build. Mr. Dickson was given 
an oversight of the work. 

The house was dedicated Oct. 18, 1891. I will give 
the programme : 

Organ Voluntary. 



236 



Appendix 



Doxology, "Praise God from Whom," etc. 

Invocation by Rev. A. J. Schlager, followed by the 
Lord's Prayer. 

Scripture lesson by Rev. E. W. Lake. 

Anthem by West Presbyterian Church quartette. 

Addresses by Rev. G. Parsons Nichols and Rev. Sam- 
uel Dunham. 

Hymn. 

Address by Dr. Geo. F. Hand. 

Statement by President George F. Lyon. 

Responsive reading of the 122nd psalm beginning 
with "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go 
into the house of," etc. 

Then we all repeated in concert — 

"This house which we have been permitted to build 
through the gracious favor of Divine Providence we do 
now solemnly dedicate to the worship and service of 
Almighty God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 
Amen." 

Dedicatory prayer by Rev. John McVey. 
Hymn. 

Benediction by Rev. Sabin McKinney. 

On the following Sabbath, at 3 o'clock, a Sabbath 
school of 12 classes and 60 members was organized. 
The Presbyterian Union appointed Mr. Charles T. Dick- 
son superintendent and later the school elected a full 
set of officers, with Mr. Dickson as superintendent. Of 
the original 17 officers and teachers those who are still 
holding offices or are teachers are Mr. Dickson, Mrs. 
Dickson and Miss Tena Stickley. The school was a suc- 
cess from the first. It was a plan of the Union to only 



Appendix 



237 



have a Sabbath school, but it soon seemed best to have 
regular preaching, and they employed Rev. T. C. Mil- 
ler as pastor of this organization and the one at East 
End organized about the same time. Mr. Miller com- 
menced his services on Jan. 10, 1892. At this time no 
serious thought was taken as to the organization of a 
church, but the morning was already here and it would 
have been as foolish as an attempt to try to keep back 
the full day. So we were led along. Mr. Miller be- 
came satisfied that there were enough church members 
interested to make a church, and convinced the officers 
of the Union that it would be advantageous to do so. 
On April 5, 1892, Mr. Miller, Mr. Hollister, Mr. Dick- 
son, Mr. Wilbur, Mr. Wickham and Mr. Johnson met 
the committee of organization and control, consisting of 
Rev. Samuel Dunham, Rev. E. W. Lake, Dr. Geo. F. 
Hand and S. Mills Ely, in the parlors of the First Pres- 
byterian Church, and it was agreed that an organization 
was advisable. The committee recommended that a rep- 
resentative of the people be sent to presbytery, with a 
petition that they be permitted to organize a church. 
Mr. Dickson was sent by the people to the meeting of 
presbytery in Waverly on April 16th, with a petition 
from the people signed by 26 persons. The presbytery 
appointed a committee with power to organize a church, 
if it should seem best. Mr. Miller met the committee 
on April 29th, with a partial list of those who would 
become members, and it was decided by the committee 
to organize a church on May 22nd. 

On May 22nd, 1892, ten years ago to-day, at 2:30. 
p. m., the committee appointed by the presbytery, with 



238 



Appendix 



Rev. Samuel Dunham chairman, met in this chapel and 
proceeded to organize a church. 

Forty-four members were included in the church. 
Thirty-five came with letters from eleven different 
churches. Presbyterian, Congregational, Methodist, and 
Baptist, and nine on profession. 

The services were opened by singing "All Hail the 
Power of Jesus' Name," followed by reading of Scrip- 
ture by Rev. Mr. Lake, 1st Thes. 5-1 to 23. Next an 
anthem by the First Presbyterian choir, "I was glad 
when they said unto me," etc. Mr. Dunham conducted 
the organizing services. Rev. T. G. Darling made the 
constituting prayer, which was followed by an anthem 
by the choir, "He shall gather them in his arms." 

Rev. Samuel Dunham then asked the church to choose 
its officers. They elected Mr. Dickson, Mr. Wilbur and 
Mr. Johnson elders, and Mr. Mudge, Lewis Dickson 
and Mr. Wickham deacons. Rev. Mr. Miller ordained 
them to their respective offices. Rev. John McVey gave 
a charge to the people. 

An offering was then taken. The congregation then 
joined in singing "Blest Be the Tie that Binds," and 
we were dismissed by Rev. Samuel Dunham. Such was 
the organization of our much loved Floral Avenue Pres- 
byterian Church. 

The time for holding the Sabbath school was changed 
from 3 o'clock to 12 o'clock soon after Mr. Miller first 
came into the field. This took from our numbers those 
who attended other schools. The first meeting of the ses- 
sion was held June 25th. 

During our first year there were added ten members, 



Appendix 



239 



eight on profession and two by letter. Mr. Miller urged 
very liberal collections for missions. 

We undertook to support a native preacher in India. 
Sidram Jadhoe was his name. Forty-five dollars a year 
would do it. This was raised by a system of pledges 
from all, children and grown people, from one cent to 
twenty-five cents per week. A great deal of enthusiasm 
was worked up and $45.59 was raised during nine 
months, which was duly forwarded. 

During this time Mr. Miller gathered an infant class 
of over thirty little ones. This class is now the most 
important class of our Sunday school. 

Our Christian Endeavor Society was organized on 
September 28th, 1892, with thirty members. It now 
numbers 55 and nine associates. 

On August 17th, 1894, Mr. Miller called the officers 
of the church together and informed them that he had 
received a call from the Congregational Church of Wood- 
bridge, N. J., and handed in his resignation. A meeting 
of the church was called Aug. 22nd, at which time Mr. 
Miller's resignation was presented and was accepted. 

There followed a period of nine months without a 
pastor, during which time the church obtained supplies 
from city ministers who were without charges. 

During this period the church was receiving no as- 
sistance from the Union. We saw the necessity of keep- 
ing out of debt and always agreed with the one occupy- 
ing the pulpit that he should take the collection, be it 
large or small. It amounted to from three to five dol- 
lars per Sunday. 

Our pulpit was often supplied by laymen who charged 



240 



Appendix 



us nothing, allowing the collection to go towards pay 
for wood and coal. Those who preached for us during 
this period were Roods, Taylor, Downing, Palmer, Mc- 
Lachlan, Stowell, Donaldson, Lake and Schlager, and 
Laymen Hand, Norton, Lockwood and Clements. 
Messrs. Judson, Pvawson, Sutherland and Bryant were 
candidates. 

On February nth a meeting of the church was held 
and a call was given to Mr. Sutherland. He had al- 
ready received a call from Susquehanna, and on April 
1st another meeting was held and a call given to Rev. 
Robert C. Bryant, still in the seminary. Mr. Bryant 
was ordained and installed on June 4th, 1895. The 
sermon was preached by Rev. Willis J. Beecher, of Au- 
burn Theological Seminary. The charge to the pastor 
was given by Rev. Robert A. Bryant, father of the pas- 
tor. Mr. Bryant was much loved by his people, espe- 
cially the young. He entered into all of their undivided 
interests and always had a cheering word for all. Dur- 
ing the Summer of 1897 Mr. Bryant visited Palestine 
and the pulpit was supplied by Rev. R. H. Merrill. On 
Jan. 16, 1898, Mr. Bryant read his resignation, much 
to the surprise of all, and closed his pastorate Oct. 31st, 
1898. There followed a period of two months without 
a pastor. 

Late in December the officers of the church engaged 
Mr. Fay as supply and the union has been a healthy 
one. The history of the church is fresh in the minds 
of all. 

Our church has prospered in all of its branches. Our 
membership has increased. Our prayer meetings have 



Appendix 



241 



been largely attended. There is great spiritual interest, 
and our church is led along on Bible lines. 

We had hoped before this to be self-supporting, but 
we are not. We are gaining every year, however. It 
requires patience and persistent work. Our friends in 
the city, who first bought this lot and built this house, 
have assisted us in our work here at different times very 
much. In the Summer of 1899 there was felt the great 
need of more room for our Sabbath school. A large 
addition was built to the north, at an expense of $800. 
Most all of this amount was subscribed by our friends 
in the city in amounts ranging from $5.00 to $50.00, 
and the addition was dedicated on Oct. 9th free from 
debt. The following was the programme: 

Music. 

Invocation by Rev. Samuel Dunham, chairman of the 
committee on organization and control, of the Presby- 
terian Union. 

Music by Floral Avenue Quartette, "Onward and Up- 
ward." 

Scripture, 84th Psalm, Rev. Mr. McLachlan. 

Hymn 996 in New Laudes Domini. 

Sermon, Rev. John McVey. 

Dedicatory prayer by Rev. Mr. Greenwood. 

Music by Church Quartette. 

Five minute remarks by the three elders. 

Hymn 986. 

Benediction. 

Followed by refreshments. 

When this addition was built it was thought we did 



242 



Appendix 



not then need so large a room, but would need it in fu- 
ture, but now it is none too large and the infant class 
occupy the vestry and the room below. It is a verifica- 
tion of the promise, "Open thy mouth wide and I will 
fill it," and not long hence the question will be, What 
will we do for room? 

During the past few weeks we have enjoyed a revival 
which almost seems like the approving favor of God 
on our work here. Many have said, I will from now 
on, with the help of God, be a Christian. While the 
older ones have said, With the help of God, I will be 
a better Christian than I have. Since then our prayer 
meetings have been too large for the vestry and we are 
obliged to hold them in this auditorium. 

I have neglected to mention that on February 28th, 
1897, during Mr. Bryant's pastorate, a Junior Christian 
Endeavor Society was organized with 26 members. This 
was a very important branch of our church. It was un- 
der the management of Mrs. Etta Houck, its president, 
who by hard work made it an organization of 45 mem- 
bers. When she was obliged to give it up by her re- 
moval from the neighborhood, it was temporarily sus- 
pended Nov. 24th, 1901. 

Our Senior Christian Endeavor now numbers 55 mem- 
bers and 9 associates under the presidency of Mrs. Lena 
Weeks. It is in a flourishing condition. They con- 
tribute twenty dollars a year for missions and benevo- 
lences. 

Our Sabbath school under Mr. Dickson (Mr. Dickson 
was our first superintendent) is large and flourishing. 
There are now 30 classes with 236 members. Here with 



Appendix 



243 



the young is the most important work of our church. 
That fact is becoming clearer every year. 

Of the 44 members which our church numbered ten 
years ago, four have died and eighteen have moved 
away or been dropped, leaving still on the roll twenty 
of the original members. 

We have received during the past ten years 165. We 
have had in all 209, deducting the loss during the ten 
years of 70 members, we number now 139. 

Let us expect great things trusting in God and be- 
lieving his promises. Let us take courage and go for- 
ward for another ten years. And when we celebrate 
our twentieth anniversary we who are here will prob- 
ably see greater changes than now. Few if any of the 
charter members will be left, and if on that day we 
could read what the recording angel had put down as to 
our church, which do you think would be the better for 
his book to read — "They have a fine brick church, with 
a large salaried minister, and big membership, who feel 
well satisfied," or this — "They still worship in their 
little chapel, but they are all in love with one another, 
and have well attended prayer meetings, and the sick 
and suffering, the hungry and the poorly clothed are 
provided for. The sorrowful are cheered, the erring are 
strengthened and the fallen are lifted up, and a general 
feeling of charity and forgiveness pervades the whole 
church." 

Which report would you think the better ? 



244 



Appendix 



PAPER READ BY MR. G. M. T. JOHNSON AT 
THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF 
FLORAL AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN 
CHURCH, MAY 22, 1912. 

On this, the twentieth anniversary of our organiza- 
tion, we come together to look into each other's faces, 
take note of events of the past twenty years in the work 
of our church, recall the love and zeal of those who have 
died in the harness, with their benedictions of love on 
our church, and to give cheer and courage and love to the 
remaining members. 

I would like to stop long enough to pay a loving 
tribute to those who set out with us, in the early dawn 
of the morning, twenty years ago, in the tedious work of 
organizing, and bore the heat of the early day, when 
the call was for patience and hard work, and died in the 
harness, still burdened with anxiety for its success. 
There were good workers then. I will mention espe- 
cially two of the original members, now passed away, 
in the last ten years : Messrs. Theron R. Hollister and 
Charles T. Dickson. Of them it may be said, "They 
believed God and it was counted to them for righteous- 
ness." Mr. Hollister did little talking; his work was 
especially as a trustee. He could see ways and means 
for bridging streams and crossing with courage ; he in- 
spired others with his courage. He was an elder from 
1893 t0 1898, and trustee from the time of organization 
to the time of his death, Jan. 21, 1907. 

Mr. Dickson was one of the first, when the needs of 
this locality became known, who said, "Here am I, send 
me." He was appointed by the Presbyterian Union to 



Appendix 245 



superintend the building of this chapel. He was one of 
the first and longest serving officers of the church as 
trustee, and elder and superintendent of the Sabbath 
school and in every other department of work in the in- 
terest of the church. Mr. Dickson died Aug. 13, 1907. 

Our church was organized twenty years ago, May 22, 
1892, and if in each one of those years, as they have 
come and gone, there has been given out a force which 
has been for a betterment of the residents of West End, 
and if from the lives of those who have left us there 
has gone an influence which has been as a light on a 
candlestick, then by just that much can we say our work 
has been a success. The little gatherings on the bare 
mountain side, or on the shores of the lake, where Jesus 
taught the people the great truths of life, were a thou- 
sand times more a success than was the massive temple 
in which great sums of money were given, but was called 
by the Master himself, a den of thieves. A stump in 
a lumber camp, or a rock in a desert, is often a more 
consecrated pulpit than many highly carved and orna- 
mented platforms of our churches. In saying this I do 
not mean to decry churches or pulpits, but to say it is 
not the outward form or show, but the spirit within 
which is the temple of God and will withstand the fire 
of that great day. 

But we must remember our report is only as we look 
at past events from this side. There is another record 
kept, as I said in the ten years report, a very minute 
report, which has to do with our thoughts and purposes, 
and we will not know what this is till the great books 
are opened ; and what is the very solemn feature of this 



246 



Appendix 



is the fact that we are, each one, writing a part of that 
report, which will appear. We are taught that a 
heavenly Father's hand leads those who not only ask 
him for guidance but who believe him, and it would 
seem he has seen our needs and guided us with his lov- 
ing eye, and sent to us pastors best fitted to the needs 
of the church at those times. 

A report of the first decade of our church was read 
at the tenth anniversary. This report is intended to 
take up the account of our work from that time. Rev. 
C. Edward Fay was our pastor then. The exercises of 
reunion were held in this chapel with a brief report of 
the first decade. The showing was satisfactory. The 
people were in happy accord with their pastor. Mr. Fay 
closed his pastorate in the fall of 1905, after a term of 
six years' service. 

He was followed by Rev. A. W. Allen, who com- 
menced his pastorate early in December, 1905, and, after 
a period of six months, accepted a call to another church 
in May, 1906. 

Rev. Samuel Dunham, our present pastor, accepted a 
call from the church and commenced his labors on the 
first Sabbath of June, 1906, coming to us with rich and 
ripe experiences as a pastor of the West Presbyterian 
Church of this city, in a very opportune time of our 
church history. 

Allow me here to call to your minds some very inter- 
esting coincidences in our relationship with Mr. Dun- 
ham. Mr. Dunham was chairman of the committee 
which had oversight of our organization from the first. 
On the dedication of this chapel, October 18, 1891, he 



Appendix 



247 



gave an address. It was a very nice thing to start a 
church for the service of God, and it should be started 
right, so much depends upon how it is started, and the 
dedication of this chapel was the first visible evidence. 
He was one of the committee sent by presbytery to or- 
ganize us, and on May 22nd, 1892, conducted the serv- 
ices of organization, baptizing the unbaptized members, 
leading the people in their covenant together, and pro- 
nouncing them duly organized into the Floral Avenue 
Presbyterian Church. 

At the ordination of Mr. Bryant, June 4th, 1895, Mr. 
Dunham made the ordaining prayer. On the occasion 
of the dedication of the addition of this chapel, October 
9th, 1900, Mr. Dunham presided and made the opening 
prayer, and has had a watchful eye over us till now. 

When, in the Summer of 1906, our church was left 
abruptly without a pastor, and we looked into each 
other's faces and asked, what will we do now, — we 
turned to Mr. Dunham and he came to us, and we are 
enjoying prosperity, spiritually and temporally, through 
his leadership. 

' "Thus far the Lord hath led us on — 
Thus far he has brought us on our way." 

On all lines we believe during the past ten years our 
church has made good progress as compared with the 
report of ten years ago, May 22nd, 1902. The church 
had then made excellent advance. The present report 
covers another ten years of church life, a very important 
period which called for wise and careful leadership. 
From our church have gone a number who were of great 



248 



Appendix 



worth to our organization. They were a nucleus of a 
sister church, doing good work for the Master. This 
appears to be like his leadership, for now instead of 
one, there are two, both working to one end, each one 
stronger than the parent body ten years ago, for which 
God be praised. 

The last report which covered the first decade, from 
which we have to make data for this one, gives the fol- 
lowing items, — Total number of communicants, 121. It 
will be remembered our organization number was 44, 
making an increase in membership of 175 per cent. Our 
report at the close of the second ten years gives our 
church membership 309, making an increase of 188, after 
all losses in the last ten years. 

As to finances. Our report to the General Assembly 
for the last year of the first decade was a fair year re- 
port and showed great progress in the ten years. I will 
use that as a comparison with our report of this year 
which will better give our condition at the present time. 
During the last year of the first decade, we received for 
current expenses $929, and this last year of the second 
decade $1,620. But the Christian life of a person or a 
church is better shown in what it does for others, rather 
than what it does for itself. It tells the strength of the 
heart beat. During the last year of the first decade the 
church gave to benevolences $91, as compared with our 
gifts of last year (1912) of $519, a gain of 570 per 
cent.* Of course our church is stronger than it was 
ten years ago, as has already been shown. Such evi- 

* The benevolent offerings of 1913 amounted to $711 and those 
of 1914 to $987, an increase of over 900 per cent. 



Appendix 



249 



dences of Christian love persuade us that the church is in 
a flourishing condition and on Christ lines, who spent 
and gave his life for others. 

During the last ten years there have been made very 
material changes and improvements in this building 
which are great assets to the church. The most im- 
portant of which I would mention the addition of the 
two new rooms under the body of this building, not so 
much as to the real money value, though that was quite 
a sum, but the way in which it was done. A few years 
ago there was organized in the Sabbath school a class 
of men known as the Floralminster Class. There was 
much need of more room. The under part of the main 
body of this building was simply dirt, which if thrown 
out would give fine space for two more rooms for church 
and Sabbath school purposes. But that aforesaid dirt 
was dry and hard as unbaked brick and if removed it 
must be by the shovelful through a cellar window, a 
very cramped and hard place in which to work. But 
the Floralminster Class took hold of it, and it had to 
come. At odd hours, after full day's work elsewhere, 
each one put in spare time, sometimes by lantern light, 
till the dirt was all thrown out. They bought the ma- 
terial and built two fine rooms— without any excitement 
or bluster or subscription pledges, for they saw the need 
and had a mind to work. 

In making this report it will be observed I have given 
most space to general results of our work here as it ap- 
plies to the moral effect on people under its influence. 
It has appealed to me very forcibly as I look back twenty 
years (so short a time), that material appearances of 



250 Appendix 



growth and position really count but little. The figures 
of numbers of members or of dollars contributed really 
do not count much in a church report, and your and my 
work done here, as I take a little look backward, over 
our time here and elsewhere, be it twenty or seventy 
years, really seems like sounding brass or a tinkling 
cymbal, if the real purpose for which a church is organ- 
ized is not well worked out. 

These facts appeal to me more forcibly as time passes, 
and I notice the empty places of old co-workers. The 
report of numbers of members or of dollars is but a sim- 
ple and easy matter. I see more clearly the littleness 
of these when I remember that in the final reckoning our 
work will be considered as to results by One who looks 
not on the outward appearance but on the purposes of 
the heart; not on temples and numbers, but on what has 
been the amount of lift up force displayed in the com- 
munity of West End. If I have enlarged too much on 
the less important features, please accord it to personal 
short sight, but let us all try to bear in mind the great 
meaning of success — be it of an individual or of a church. 

We will bid one another good-by and let us try to 
make our church work grow brighter and better from 
year to year, and may our report ten years hence be a 
good one. 

The following is the list of officers of Floral Avenue 
Church at the present time, 1914: — 



PASTOR 

Rev. Samuel Dunham. 



Appendix 



251 



W. H. Preston, 
F. F. Foster, 
Geo. N. Mason, 

Scott Wilbur, 

A. L. Bailey, 

W. F. Waterman, 

John A. Cline, 
W. O. Rowley, 
L. M. Twining, 



ELDERS 

W. O. Rowley, 
J. W. Keller, 
J. P. Wells. 

DEACONS 

A. E. Spencer, 
J. C. Waterman, 
W. H. Neal. 

TRUSTEES 

Scott Wilbur, 
Wm. Bettenhauser, 
Leon S. Landon. 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS 
NUE CHURCH AT 
MAY 

Charles T. Dickson, 
Mrs. Antoinette B. Dick- 
son, 

Alfred B. Dickson, 
Louis E. Dickson, 
Mrs. Louis E. Dickson, 
Milan A. Mudge, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Mudge, 
Mrs. Coe Coleman, 
Miss Tina Stickley, 
William Burdick, 
Mrs. William Burdick, 
Miss Eva Burdick, 
George M. T. Johnson, 



F THE FLORAL AVE- 
rs ORGANIZATION 
, 1892 

Mrs. Ellen Wilbur, 
Stephen D. Wilbur, 
Mrs. Vinie Wilbur, 
Daniel Tripp, 
Mrs. Maranda Tripp, 
Miss Carrie Tripp, 
James Edward Evans, 
Mrs. Virginia Frances Ev- 
ans, 

Miss Emma Evans, 
Albert Craver, 
Mrs. Albert Craver, 
Mrs. G. A. West, 
Clarence F. Prentice, 



252 



Appendix 



Mrs. Sarah Johnson, 
Myron C. Prentice, 
Mrs. Philena F. Prentice, 
Mrs. Barbara Stickley, 
Theron R. Hollister, 
Andrew Wickham, 
Mrs. Albina Wickham, 
Frank Morse, 
Mrs. Frank Morse, 
Edwin L. Wilbur, 



bur, 

Mrs. Lillie Dale Frost, 
Watson Herman Birdsall, 
Mrs. Minnie Birdsall, 
Miss Lucy Ann Chalker, 



Turner, 
Miss Alice Josephine Wil- 



Miss Eva Mack, 
Mrs. Minnie Elizabeth 



Miss Lillie C. Bell. 



PIONEERS OF RELIGION IN THE EARLY DAYS 
OF BINGHAMTON'S HISTORY 



The centennial celebration, in September, 1906, of the 
original settlement of Binghamton and Broome County 
has suggested the propriety of a brief retrospective glance 
back to the days of the early religious pioneers in this 
region. 

In consideration of the admitted fact that, from the 
days of Calvin and Knox, Presbyterians have always 
been prominent leaders, if not foremost in all great re- 
ligious movements, and in almost everything good or 
great or noble, one might be led to suppose they would 
be the very first to plant the institutions of religion out 
here among the pine-forests, and along the banks of the 
Chenango and the Susquehanna, in the wilds of Central 
New York. But, according to the early annals of this 
settlement, it would not be quite true to the facts of 
history, nor altogether fair to other denominations of 
Christians, to claim that the Presbyterian Church was 
actually the pioneer Church of the little village. For 



Appendix 



253 



as early as the year 1789 we find the Baptists upon 
the ground with an organization of ten or twelve mem- 
bers, which, however, by the year 1800 had become 
extinct. And, although the Baptist people appear to 
have continued to sustain some religious services, over 
on the south side of the Susquehanna, in the house of 
one Mr. Dunham, yet no permanent church of that order 
was here formed until May, 1829, when the present 
large and influential First Baptist Church was organized. 

It is, furthermore, on record that a Reformed Dutch 
church, gathered and ministered to by Rev. Mr. Manly, 
had a kind of precarious existence here about the year 
1798, but it proved to be but short-lived. This little 
church worshiped in the attic story of a private dwelling 
east of the Chenango, in the Bevier neighborhood. 

Next in order comes a Protestant Episcopal church, 
by the name of St. Ann's, the date of whose formation 
is placed on September 19, 1810. Six years later it was 
dissolved, and a new society constituted under the name 
of Christ Church. Their church edifice, — apparently the 
first one erected, and consecrated November 20, 1818, — 
was afterward sold to the Methodists, and removed to 
Henry Street. A new edifice was reared in 1822, and 
used until 1854, when it gave place to the present fine 
stone structure on Washington Street, which was com- 
pleted in 1855, and a spire added in accordance with 
original plans so late as 1903-1 904. 

The first society of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
dates from 1817, — the same year in which the First Pres- 
byterian Church was organized. 

The Congregational Church followed in 1836; the 



254 



Appendix 



Roman Catholic Church about 1838, and, in the same 
year the Universalists were in the field with an organ- 
ization of about fifty members, but, subsequently, died 
of inanition, leaving no trace behind, until its revival 
in recent years. 

The First Presbyterian Church was organized Novem- 
ber 20, 1817, with twenty members, three males, and 
seventeen females, all of whose names deserve to be held 
in sacred memory, and transmitted to coming genera- 
tions, viz. : — Jesse Hinds, Jonathan Ogden and John 
McKinney; Mrs. Whiting, of sainted memory (who 
passed away shortly after my own coming to this city 
in 1873), Mrs. Pratt, Mrs. Morse, Mrs. Woodruff, Mrs. 
Sedgwick, Mrs. Weed, Mrs. Whitmore, Mrs. Hinds, 
Mrs. Ely, Mrs. Smith, Miss Hannah Whitney, Mrs. 
Ogden, Mrs. Vandewater, Mrs. Edwards, and three 
others, whose names do not appear in the records. 

This is the little struggling band of pioneer Presby- 
terians who, with their first pastor, were familiarly 
spoken of in those days, by way of contempt, as "Mr. 
Niles and his women," — a phrase, however, which ceased 
ere long to be a term of reproach, when it was found 
that this little company of God's people were made of 
sturdy stuff, and had come to stay ; and, especially, when, 
in later years, it became manifest that that heroic little 
band, numbering but a single score of souls, had turned 
out to be the nucleus of the strongest and most influential 
religious body in this section of the country. 

It should be remembered, however, that the First 
Church, though constituted by two Presbyterian min- 
isters, and having, from the first, relations with Pres- 



Appendix 



255 



bytery, was originally formed under the Congregational 
polity. I account for this from the fact that this place, 
very early, received a strong infusion of New England 
blood, and Presbyterianism had little or no place in 
New England in those days. 

Captain Joseph Leonard, — the first white man who 
made a permanent settlement here in the year 1787, — 
came from Wyoming, but was originally from Plymouth, 
Mass., — from the very shadow of old "Burial Hill" and 
Plymouth Rock. His home here was just above the 
present location of the county poor house. His son, 
Amasa, is reputed to have been the first white child born 
in Broome County. 

Colonel Wm. Rose and his brother, who came to 
these parts a little later, settled still farther up the 
Chenango, at what is now Nimmonsburg. The Roses 
hailed from old Connecticut, and, with the usual pluck 
of Connecticut men, they started out, not on a bicycle, 
nor an automobile, but on foot, and finished up their 
journey, from the region of the Catskills, in a canoe on 
the Susquehanna. 

New England blood, — in fact, — flowed in the veins of 
many of the early settlers in these beautiful valleys. 

It would be interesting to ascertain what proportion 
of the population of this city to-day are of New England 
extraction. As to the eleven successive pastors of the 
First Church, I am not quite sure about the first five, — 
the Rev. Messrs. Niles, Lockwood, Howell, Nash and 
Gregory; but I suspect some of them, at least, had their 
birth or education or both east of the Hudson. The 
next five, I am quite sure, were regular down-Easters. 



256 



Appendix 



John Humphrey, the son of President Humphrey of 
Amherst College ; Wm. H. Goodrich, the son of my 
venerated professor, Dr. Chauncey Goodrich, of Yale ; 
Dr. Boardman, from the atmosphere of a New England 
college; Dr. Gulliver, born and bred in Congregational 
New England, and devoting most of the years of his 
labor there; and our gifted brother, the late Dr. Nichols, 
saturated with the same spirit among the rugged hills of 
old Berkshire. 

Rev. J. J. Lawrence, the present incumbent, and the 
eleventh pastor in the line of succession, though a son 
of Old England, will readily be welcomed to the goodly 
fellowship of New England clergymen. 

But, the Congregational form of government proved 
of short duration. 

At a church meeting, June 12, 1820, it was voted, 
"to request of Presbytery liberty to adopt the Directory 
of the Presbyterian Church in the United States" ; and, 
April 14, 1821, "Voted to accept the Directory of the 
Presbyterian Church." 

It is evident that, from the period of the earliest set- 
tlement of this place, Presbyterian influences were ac- 
tively at work. 

Among the early pioneers of Presbyterianism, was 
J ohn Miller, — a devout and godly man, — who, as early 
as 1788, settled some five miles above this place on the 
east side of the Chenango, but conducted Sabbath wor- 
ship at the house of Samuel Harding, at the old ferry, 
"walking," as the record shows, "with his daughters four 
miles for this purpose." 

Moreover, it is conceded that "the ecclesiastical body 



Appendix 



257 



which first moved in the work of evangelizing this part 
of the country was the General Assembly of the Pres- 
byterian Church." 

Its missionaries, Rev. Nathan Ker, and Rev. Joshua 
Hart, were sent to this frontier settlement as early as 
1790. The efficient labors of Rev. Seth Williston, as 
the representative of the "Missionary Society of Con- 
necticut," fall at a later date — 1796. 

It is interesting, also, to note that the first Sabbath 
School in this place was formed in 1818, by the female 
members of the First Church. 

Enough, I think, has been said, fairly to establish for 
Presbyterians the claim that they were, in an important 
sense, the real pioneers of religion in this town and in 
this section of the country. 

But, of far greater interest to us is the thought of 
what has been the outcome of those heroic, self-sacrificing 
struggles of a hundred years ago. Behold, what hath 
God wrought! Instead of that original band of 20 
poor and often struggling and disheartened members, we 
have, at the present time, seven growing and prosperous 
Presbyterian churches with a membership aggregating 
some 3,500, — an increase of one hundred and fifty fold. 

Other denominations show a similar increase in the 
number of churches and adherents. 

These splendid results, thus far achieved, are, un- 
doubtedly, to be attributed in no small degree to the 
policy adopted some years ago of planting new churches 
in the needy portions of the field. 

The voices of the past proclaim in our ears the duty 
of still advancing in like lines of aggressive Christian 



258 



Appendix 



effort in the building and strengthening of the Kingdom. 
"Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go for- 
ward." By the sacred memory of those who have gone 
before us, who have struggled on this field so manfully, 
so courageously, and with so much of the self-denying 
spirit of the Master, in the years long gone, and, above 
all, for the sake of Christ Himself, and for the honor 
of His cause, we are under a solemn and imperative 
obligation to press on in the work of laying yet more 
broadly and firmly the foundations of our faith. 

A little more of what the French so aptly call "Esprit 
de corps" — a little more of that animating spirit which 
fires the whole body with a glow of enthusiastic devotion 
to the Cause, would be a magnificent thing for our united 
churches, and a blessing to the whole community. 

Standing by Calvin's grave at Geneva, and witnessing 
the modest little stone bearing as its only inscription 
the simple letters "J. C." and thinking of the prodigious 
influence wielded by that mighty intellect, and of the 
moral and spiritual forces set in motion in his day, we 
could but feel that the Presbyterian and Reformed 
Churches holding the Calvinistic faith, need not be 
ashamed of their spiritual and ecclesiastical lineage. 

"John Calvin," says Ranke, "was virtually the 
founder of America." 

Dr. A. A. Hodge holds that the old Calvinistic 
"Shorter Catechism fought through successfully the 
Revolutionary War." 

And our own historian, Bancroft, declares : "He that 
will not honor the memory and respect the influence of 



Appendix 



259 



Calvin, knows but little of the origin of American 
liberty." 

In these days of new departures, of heresies and higher 
criticisms, of isms and schisms and shams, of trim- 
ming and tinkering and tempering with the Word of 
God ; in these times of "graft," and political intrigue 
and colossal corruption both in public and private life, 
it would do none of us any harm and would prove a 
blessing to the American people, did we all possess 
a little more of the genuine Calvinistic back-bone, and 
a little more of the old vertebrate Puritan type of piety 
known to the pioneers of a century ago. 



THE END 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process 
Neutralizing, agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: May 2006 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724) 779-2111 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




017 787 789 A » 



